“If you knew my story, you’d have a good story to tell…”
BRIGHT STAR is about stories. Specifically, it is about the events in our lives, both ordinary and extraordinary, that become the stories we pass down from generation to generation; they are the folklore of our families. These stories live on long after we are gone, helping to keep our memory and spirit alive among future generations. Stories shape the history of family and connect the children of our children’s children back to us. And so on and so on…
Bringing BRIGHT STAR to the CVCT stage tonight is a story of its own. From the musical’s debut at the Old Globe in San Diego, to its Broadway bow in 2016, CVCT watched the show evolve, knowing that it was the perfect piece of theatre to bring to our Cedar City audience. We had no idea our opportunity to tell this story would happen so quickly, and in our efforts to always provide live music, we embarked on an almost year-long quest for a banjo player. How else could we do a bluegrass-inspired musical without a talented banjo musician? Our deepest thanks to Loretta Westbrook for responding to our pleas and bringing her wonderful skills with the banjo to the stage. BRIGHT STAR would not have happened without the full dedication we have had from everyone involved, from the incredible cast and musicians, to the creative team, to the support of our community. We hope you enjoy tonight’s performance. Continue to tell your stories. The smallest of events today may have the greatest impact on tomorrow.
— Stephen K Wagner
