NOTES FROM THE DIRECTOR
In choosing musical material, I always ask myself a few questions...
-Does it have challenging characters for the students?
-Is there a strong story and one we can tell well?
-Is the message one we want to tell the audience?
-Can I listen to this music over and over again without getting sick of it?
Bright Star was a huge YES to all these questions. And even after listening to the cast album and now these incredible students sing this music hundreds of times, it still feels new and fresh every time I hear it. The songs, written by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, are the heart behind this show. And what a heart it is.
Steve Martin you say?! Yes! That Steve Martin. I always find when people do comedy really well, they usually have a huge capacity and depth of emotion too. The bluegrass music you will hear tonight is an example of that depth, and one of the main reasons we chose this piece.
After researching the TRUE events this story is based on, I became even more obsessed with the story and these characters. After auditions and interviews, the cast and crew came together and it was clear this show was going to be special.
For each show I direct, I try and come up with my specific 'vision' for the show. Sometimes it's harder than others. This show was clear...
“This story is about redemption, hope and lost love that is found. My goal is to remind the audience how the past can be changed, love is never gone, and there is joy that can be found in walking through the pain.”
This vision has been our driving force. And the students and creative team you will see on stage tonight, as well as the ones you won't see who are working tirelessly behind the scenes, have all gotten on board this 'train' and helped make that vision a reality.
I invite you to sit back and be swept away...in the music...in the message...in the story of Bright Star. Thank you for supporting live theatre, and enjoy the performance!
-Luke Longacre
