La Mesa’ Lamplighters Theatre is bringing “Bright Star” to the stage through May 18. Written and composed by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, “Bright Star” is inspired by a real event and tale of love and redemption against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the 1920s and ‘40s .When Alice Murphy, the brilliant editor of a southern literary journal, meets Billy Cane, a soldier just home from World War II, they discover a powerful secret that alters their lives.
An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tight in its grasp. The musical is inspired by Martin and Brickell’s Grammy-winning collaboration on the 2013 bluegrass album “Love Has Come for You” and in turn, the true folk story of the “Iron Mountain Baby.”
Director Teri Brown said she has been looking forward to having the opportunity to direct this show for years.
“When I was directing another show at a different theatre, I was fortunate enough to work with Jerrica Stone as my musical director. Through our mutual love of musical theatre and in the course of many conversations, we both learned we loved the music of ‘Bright Star’ by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell,” she said. “One of the many reasons Jerrica and I were compelled to tell this story is the music. The music is its own character, alive, dynamic, and as much a part of the storytelling as the dialogue itself. The bluegrass and folk influences serve not only as a reflection of the setting but also as a powerful vehicle for emotion, seamlessly intertwining with the characters’ journeys. For me, this music carries the soul of the show, capturing all the grief, love, hope, and triumph in ways words alone cannot.”
Brown said as director, she looks for compelling stories with roots in real-life situations and likes a stage challenge.
“I’ve put a full-sized pickup truck on stage (Hands on a Hardbody) and used buckets of stage blood in Carrie the Musical. This show has posed a challenge by trimming the cast size from 19 to 13 and asking actors to portray multiple different characters in two different time periods. Add in 7 musicians playing multiple instruments, and the challenge was on,” she said.
Brown said this is a newer show that premiered at the Old Globe Theater in 2014 before heading to Broadway. Since it has not been produced in San Diego since, she said she is proud to bring it back with the Lamplighters’ talented team.
“Based on the true story of ‘The Iron Mountain Baby,’ who was tossed off a train then rescued and raised by Good Samaritans, it was essential that we do not lose sight of hope that shines through even in the darkest moments. Through the deep sorrow, ‘Bright Star’ also offers moments of light, joy, and humor, reminding us to appreciate those bright spots in life. It is these moments that make the journey worthwhile, and I hope audiences leave the theatre carrying a piece of that hope,” she said.
