[yasr_overall_rating]
This original musical tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ‘40s. Propelled by an ensemble of onstage musicians and dancers, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion, beautiful melodies, and powerfully moving performances.
Coming back home from a stint in the military, only to find out that your beloved mother passed away while you were gone, is a definite blow to anyone’s psyche, however, it is very reassuring for Billy Cane (Henry Gottfried) to have a proud and doting father, Daddy Cane (David Atkinson) who allows you a period of time to personally mourn and give your proper goodbyes. This is the beginning of a life-changing journey of small-town writer Billy Cane whose greatest goal in life is to have his literary musings published in his hometown paper even if he is on the other side of the world pursuing his dreams. As Billy paints the town to reestablish himself with his childhood community, he makes it a point to stop by the local library to visit the one girl who could have his heart forever, if he would only acknowledge her existence outside of the library. While Billy appears to be a hopeless literary romantic, it is his lack of female awareness that propels him into the arms of women who are entirely too aggressive for him or totally clueless about what to do to get his attention.
When Billy finally sets out on a path to truly discover his niche in writing, he falsifies a letter penned by Tom Wolfe to boost his credibility and is shamefully put on blast when he learns that publisher Alice Murphy (Audrey Cardwell) can see right through his lie. In spite of the rocky beginning, she identifies something in his work that compels her to give him a chance while she strongly encourages him to find his own voice. As the plot develops with amazing twists and turns, Alice’s background comes to the forefront and eventually a life-changing discovery brings about an onslaught of emotions that build into a heartbreaking, yet heartwarming story that brings both closure and new beginnings to every relationship represented in the production.
Based on a true story, the understated humor that carries the entire production is indicative of Comedian Steve Martin’s involvement. The music, book, and story by the Grammy, Emmy and Academy Award-winning comedian who co-partners with Dallas’ own Grammy award-winning Edie Brickell, is a wonderful and entertaining story that has something for everyone. Director Walter Bobbie has done an amazing job with truly talented artists and musicians that make this entire production more than worthy of the price of admission.
“Bright Star” truly shines as one of the best Broadway Series to hit DFW and is performing at the Winspear Opera House thru June 24th.
