By Alayna Een Hanna
The second show in Sentinel Theatre’s inaugural season is literally a Bright Star in the late summer sky of Utah’s theater scene. Written by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, the musical is set in North Carolina during the 1920s and 1940s. The story weaves together two timelines: the youthful romance of Alice Murphy and Jimmy Ray Dobbs and Alice’s later life as a successful literary editor giving a young writer a chance. When a pain from her past resurfaces in an unexpected way, Alice gets a second chance at the life she could have lived. With lively bluegrass music and heartfelt storytelling, Bright Star explores themes of love, loss, forgiveness, and the power of hope to heal across generations.
Andrew Jefferies’s careful, character-driven direction is evident in every aspect of the show, and he is surrounded by an equally dedicated creative team that combines to create a stunning production. Kristyan Williams’s scenic design fills the stage with the simple charm of an Appalachian town against a backdrop of low hills, making for picturesque outdoor scenes; a few adjustments with props and curtains and help from Caleb Wallengren (lighting design) easily transfigure the space for the indoor scenes. But the greatest asset to the Appalachian ambiance is the live band of skillful musicians directed by Chari Bennett. This unassuming group of blue-grass performers amplifies the soul of the story and vastly improves the overall production, from the solo cello pre-show music all the way through to the rousing ensemble numbers and bows.
Since much of the story is told in flashbacks, there are some onstage quick changes that require versatile costuming, which Rebecca Fenton expertly provides. The costumes are fitted to both the setting and the individual actors, helping the scenes feel natural. This is not a dance-heavy show, but Stephanie Cole’s choreography still shines as the movements of ensemble actors during Alice’s solos and duets mirror the meaning and contribute compellingly to the storytelling. I found it especially touching during “I Can’t Wait” as couples in the background portray scenes of waiting for and welcoming a baby. The climactic train scene was also a testament to Cole’s incredible movement and staging.
I was impressed by the singing talent of all of the leads. Kailey Simmons is a remarkable Alice Murphy, capturing the character’s wide range of emotions in her songs and her scenes with other characters and really centering the show. Nathan Bowser’s Jimmy Ray Dobbs keeps up with her, and their playful chemistry is juxtaposed by his following sorrow. His scenes with Will Gardner (Jimmy’s father, Mayor Dobbs) are riveting. Gardner soberly portrays his alcoholic character’s complex and dark emotions and choices in what is certainly a difficult role—but one he excels in.
On the lighter timeline, the starry-eyed emerging author Billy Cane is brought to life by Ethan Zabriskie. Zabriskie brings an honest, hometown energy to the role, and his ebullient hopefulness—paired with romantic cluelessness—is highly enjoyable. Rayanne Laycock as Margo Crawford, the girl next door, is an absolute delight. Her expressions and mannerisms give the perfect flustered charm to her character and her interactions with Zabriskie have all the giddy air of first love.
The two assistant editors of Alice’s magazine provide a pleasant comedy counterpoint, with Lily Shepherd as the fun-loving Lucy Grant and Trevor Williams as the cynical and closeted Daryl Ames. Acting occasionally as relatable audience stand-ins for the drama unfolding for the rest of the characters onstage, the duo milks the comedy of the moment without drawing attention away from the main action—a tough balance. There is so much soul in this show, and the ensemble carries it through with precision and heart. It is Bright Star performed at its best, and a real triumph for Sentinel’s inaugural season. So catch the train over to Pleasant Grove, Utah—you don’t want to miss it!
Sentinel Theatre presents Bright Star with book, music, and lyrics by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell
Liahona Theater for the Community
2464 W 450 S, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062
Dates: August 29–September 6
Tickets: $11–26
Sentinel Theatre Facebook page
Photos by Jane Smith
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