Review by Jen Edwards

If you haven’t seen the musical Bright Star yet, you should. Written by Steve Martin (yes, that  Steve Martin) and Edie Brickell, this bluegrass-infused gem is set in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge  Mountains between the 1920s and 1940s. It tells a moving story of love, loss, redemption, and  reunion, anchored by the “Bright Star” of hope and second chances. 

The Sandy Arts Guild’s production, now playing at the Theater at Mount Jordan, delivers an  emotionally rich and musically incredible performance that rivals any professional staging. I’ve  seen several versions of Bright Star, including one with much of the original Broadway cast, and  this local production really holds its own – especially in the storytelling.  

Leading the charge is Ashley Shamy as Alice Murphy, who brings both emotional depth and  vocal brilliance to the role. Her vocal performance is a perfect blend of strength and  vulnerability, capturing the distinct twang and soul of bluegrass with authenticity. Shamy  doesn’t just sing; she tells a story with every note. The Billy (Joel Peterson) and Margo (Eden  Rhodes) are also standouts, but the entire ensemble is great – providing tight harmonies,  vocally, comedically and dramatically. Director David Hanson clearly understands the emotional  core of this musical. Hanson balances humor and heartbreak seamlessly, and grounds the story  with clarity and heart.  

The live performance of the on-stage bluegrass band energizes every scene, adding a genuine  rhythm to the storytelling. The banjo-led instrumental number at the top of Act II is foot stomping fun. The sets/moving set pieces and lighting worked well to transform the middle  school theater into a true Broadway stage. A few minor microphone and sound balancing issues  were the only distractions from the magic of it.  

I laughed, I teared up, and I left the theater humming. I was captivated. Sandy Arts Guild’s  Bright Star is just so good. As Alice says, “if you knew my story, you’d have a good story to tell”.  And this is a story well-told. 

Don’t miss it. Only 5 shows left. Tickets can be purchased here.

Bright Star has music by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell with lyrics by Brickell and a book by Martin. It premiered on Broadway in 2016 and was nominated for 5 Tony Awards.

I’d be interested in having more friends reviews shows I can’t get to especially in Northern and Southern Utah. If you are interested please message me on social media or email me at rachelsreviews65@gmail.com. Thanks Jen for doing this one!

If you enjoy my writing and would like me to review your production I’d love to. I also have a patreon which is a great way to support my shorter logs for shows I don’t get to review. I have some really fun perks like bonus episodes, patron polls and monthly Q&As with actors, directors and writers. Please take a look here.