When a celebrity like Steve Martin co-writes a musical, it’s probably worth a look.
From his early days as the “wild and crazy guy” with a huge comedy following in the 1970s, into his starring roles in motion pictures, to his more recent fame as producer, creator, and costar of the Hulu streaming hit Only Murders in the Building, Martin has been part of the public consciousness for decades.
He is also an excellent musician, a banjo player of note, winning three Grammy Awards for his recordings, and he has toured extensively over the years. Martin and one of his collaborators and fellow musicians, Edie Brickell — remember The New Bohemians? — came together to create some beautiful music in the American Roots-style, encompassing bluegrass, country, and blues. Which led them to Bright Star, the musical they created that opened on Broadway in 2016.
Inspired by a vintage newspaper article about “the Iron Mountain baby,” Bright Star focuses on two mysteriously intertwining stories. Alice Murphy, a successful literary editor with humble roots in rural North Carolina, crosses paths with a WWII veteran and aspiring writer, Billy Cane, looking for his first stories to be published. The story flashes back from 1945 to 1923, when Alice was a free-spirited young woman longing to break free from her strict, Christian daddy and small-town life. She has her eye on local boy Jimmy Ray Dobbs, and they have a brief and star-crossed romance, yielding a love child. An unwed mother in the early 1920s was not widely accepted, emotional fireworks ensue, and the fate of Alice and Jimmy Ray’s infant son propels the story forward.
This original story, weaving forward and backward through time, is accompanied and supported by the Martin and Brickell songs, which evoke the era of old-time radio, Hank Snow, Bill Monroe, and the folk era. The tunes can be infectious (even when the lyrics are repetitive) and offer many chances for the Fauquier Community Theatre cast to shine.
From the opening musical selection, “If You Knew My Story,” Becca Harney as Alice provides a strong, clear voice that recalls the great ladies of both Broadway and country music. Her rendition of “Sun’s Gonna Shine,” one of the standout songs, is another Harney highlight.
As her love interest, Jimmy Ray, Noah Sariñana mingles his expressive voice with Harney’s on the romantic “What Could Be Better.” He pours out his character’s pained soul during the solo spot “Heartbreaker,” reacting to the ultimate tragedy Jimmy Ray has had to face.
As Billy Cane, the returning soldier and budding author, Garrett Tucker is charming as the wide-eyed and witty young man seeking literary fame. Tucker’s Billy handles the title song — quite the earworm — and gets to show his romantic side with his duet with Margo, his childhood sweetheart played gracefully by Camden Gillespie, “Always Will.”
The supporting characters do not get the most memorable songs to perform, but their commitment and enthusiasm are endearing. Val Kupperman (Billy’s dad), Stub Estey, and Pam Gordet (Alice’s parents) all make a strong impression. Nathan Dalpezzo is a versatile actor who plays two distinct figures: quirky Max, a hometown nerd, and Stanford Adams, a local official who works for Jimmy Ray’s father, the Mayor. W. Gregory Smith plays the slightly villainous role of Mayor Dobbs with relish.
Providing some winning comedic turns as Alice’s editorial staff members, Lucy and Daryl, Campbell Mason and Weston Weber turn on the Southern charm and plenty of snark in their memorable roles. Mason has fun as the forward, modern woman, and Weber, as the genteel but sassy “bachelor type,” has plenty of quips to impart.
The talented ensemble provides much-needed vocal support and appears as various townspeople, passengers, and even set movers. They handle their tasks efficiently.
Director Scott Olson, remembered for FCT’s recent The Play That Goes Wrong, among many other productions, creates a nostalgic atmosphere for the story to unfold. Olson’s lighting designer, Stacy King, provides some of her best work here, providing atmospheric color and mood suiting the changing times and settings. Carefully selected and not overused projections (including a bright star) complement the staging, as well.
Designed by Maggie Swan, Steve Cooper, and Jarrett Baker, the set — a rustic, open barn structure — makes for the perfect setting for the shifting time periods. Hopefully, by the last week of their run, the stage crew and cast could smooth out the scene transitions.
For Southern lore, some catchy music, and winning performances, you can’t go wrong with letting Bright Star shine its light on you.
Running Time: Two hours and 15 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.
Bright Star plays through September 28, 2025, presented by Fauquier Community Theatre, performing at the Vint Hill Theater on the Green, 4225 Aiken Dr, Warrenton, VA. All tickets ($18 youth, $20 seniors, $24 adults) are for reserved seating. Purchase tickets online or call the box office at (540) 349-8760. Tickets can sell out quickly, so plan ahead.
Programs are available at the performances and online.
Bright Star
Music, book, and story by Steve Martin
Music, lyrics, and story by Edie Brickell
