By Sydney Stringfellow
Walking into Orem’s SCERA Center for the Arts, I was greeted by folksy banjo music to enjoy as we waited for the show to begin. Between that and the charming small town southern set, I was quickly transported to North Carolina in the 1920s-40s where Bright Star takes place.
Bright Star follows literary editor Alice Murphy as she reconciles her past with her present. Upon meeting World War II veteran Billy Cane, she is inspired to reconnect with her roots and finds long overdue answers to aching questions. Written and composed by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, this musical is inspired by the true story of the Iron Mountain Baby. After completing their bluegrass album in 2013, Martin and Brickell continued to draw from southern roots and workshopped Bright Star until its debut in late 2014. Its popularity increased until it debuted on Broadway, running until 2016. It toured nationally for two more years after that.
The SCERA Theater is a lovely venue, perfect for an emotionally gripping performance like Bright Star. The music (Rex Kocherhans) surrounds you, the set design (Chase Ramsey) is creative, the costumes (Kelsey Seaver) are stunning, and the overall performance is inspired and well choreographed (Janessa Ramsey). Director Chase Ramsey poured his heart into the project, and it paid off.
The true star of this production is the acting and musical talent that exudes from the entire cast. Alice Murphy (Kelsey Mariner Thompson) is no stranger to a devastating experience, and Thompson’s performance is so raw and real. Complementing Alice Murphy perfectly is Jimmy Ray Dobbs (Christian Wawro), the strong, funny, handsome leading man. Wawro brings heart and feeling to a difficult story. Bryson Smellie shines in his role as Billy Cane, perfectly encapsulating the naivete and pure love of a young veteran. He is foiled by Mckenna Thomas as Margot Crawford, who balances him out with grace, poise, and an overall put together-ness.
The roles that touch my heart the most are those of the parents. Mayor Josiah Dobbs (Andy Harrison), Daddy Cane (Brian Tanner), Daddy Murphy (Mike Ramsey), and Mama Murphy (Shawnda Moss) each take their turns making mistakes. However, the actors do not shy away from this, instead embracing the imperfections and humanity of their characters.
The music in this show is catchy and lively, making it enjoyable for anyone. It is important to note that while fun and clean, the story touches on some difficult themes that may be hard for younger children to see or understand. However, I do believe that this show is a must-see. By the time the curtain falls, there is not a dry eye in the room and every audience member leaves changed for the better. So come and see the blue-grass stars in Bright Star at the SCERA in Orem.
SCERA Center for the Arts Presents Bright Star by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell.
SCERA Center for the Arts, 745 South State Street, Orem, UT 84058
September 13 to October 5, 2024 @ 7:30 PM
Tickets: $12–14
Contact: 801-225-ARTS
https://scera.org/
SCERA Center for the Arts Facebook Page
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