“Joy and sorrow never last, I’ll die trying not to live in the past”
Banjos, bluegrass, and bright dreams grace the stage at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre this summer with their production of Bright Star. Playing now through July 23rd, appropriately under the bright stars shining over Annapolis in the summery open air, Bright Star will delight audiences with its wholehearted Americana folksy twang.
Bright Star follows the tales of a young aspiring writer just back from war who seeks out the approval of a stern but talented editor-in-chief with an aspirational past of her own. She sees something in him, but just what that something is will come to light in time.
With music, book, and story written by Steve Martin (yes, that Steve Martin) and music, lyrics, and story written by Edie Brickell, Bright Star seeks to delight its audience with heart and character above all else. Martin and Brickell create a sweeping narrative around love, loss, family, and forgiveness which straddles two decades simultaneously: first beginning in the 1940’s immediately after WWII, and then going back and forth to the 1920’s as the overall story unfolds before finally bringing them all together.
Yet what sets Bright Star apart from more modern musicals of today is not just its bluegrass stylings or the inspiration it built upon a true story, but the familiarity of its storytelling and thematic style which is so reminiscent of the golden days of Broadway in the mid-Twentieth Century.
The moment the audience enters the theatre, they are conducted to another time and place. The overall ambiance of the environment, mixed with the soft bluegrass melodies playing in the air, leads its gentle visitors to a time and space full of heart and life. And to be sure, there is no better setting for Bright Star than ASGT in the summer. The balmy night air mixed with its pleasant summer breezes perfectly matches the set laid before the audience to effortlessly transport them to a North Carolina setting.
Set Design by Dan Snyder and lead build by Todd Croteau, creates a rich and immersive background to the world enacted on the stage. Most notably, the rustic barn-esque housing for the live band on stage anchors the overall feeling of the place in time with its charm and grace. Lighting designed by Peter Kaiser and Sound by Bill Reinhart similarly enhance the magic of each scene with their flair for ambiance.
But I’d be remiss if I didn’t also recognize the fantabulous job in costumes as coordinated by Lee Ann Cain, Hillary Leyendecker, and Leigh K. Rawls. Not only does each costume scream 1940’s (or back-country 1920’s, as appropriate), but the dresses chosen for the women on stage are all absolutely lovely and apropos.
Did I mention there was live music? Though there are many charming aspects of ASGT’s production, the sheer talent of the live band on stage is enough to entice anyone to see this production. Music Director and Conductor Paige Rammelkamp and her talented musicians deserve notoriety and accolades for their flawless performance.
And speaking of performances, one aspect of Martin and Brickell’s show is that like a breath of fresh air, this piece does not shy away from letting the ladies of its cast shine! While Alice Murphy’s character (played by Emily L. Sergo) may be the primary protagonist of this show, there are numerous opportunities for the other female characters to have their moment in the spotlight; and they do not disappoint! From the ensemble to the principal characters, the ladies of Bright Star will make you laugh, sooth your sorrow, and fill you with hope throughout the story.
Margo, played by Mallorie Stern, is the comedic backbone of the show. Her impeccable timing and skill with blending exaggerated movements with subtlety will not only endear you to her as she pines after our aspiring writer, Billy (Jake Schwartz), but will have you snorting in laughter as she does so. But with every up, there should be a down. Be prepared to “boo” and “hiss” at Mayor Josiah Dobbs, played by John Purnell. Without giving too much away, Purnell does a mighty fine job encompassing the less-than-righteous actions of a man that is willing to do anything, and I mean anything, for the misguided well-being of his family’s future.
Co-workers and best-office-buddies Lucy and Daryl (played by Ally Baca and Alex Sarkady) display an endearing and humorous chemistry on stage as they not only comedically attempt to act as gatekeepers to Billy for the Ashville Southern Journal, but also slowly warm up to and befriend him. Baca charms with her wit and allure as an intelligent working woman who goes after what she wants. Meanwhile Sarkady, who only recently stepped into the role of Daryl, delights with his knack for lobbing sharp quips.
But the stand-out performances of the evening are certainly held by our shining protagonist Alice (Sergo), and her past paramore Jimmy Ray (David Merrill). Sergo captures the perfect soulful southern cadence and resonance as she masterfully performs each number. From the opening “If You Knew My Story,” to “I Can’t Wait,” Sergo will capture your attention and your heart. Perfectly paired with Merrill’s Jimmy Ray, the chemistry and connection between these two dazzle as they play out their story of hope and heartbreak through the years. Similarly, both actors marvel in their ability to show their progress of age and maturity throughout the enfolding scenes as an effect of the lessons life has taught them well.
In the words of American novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne, “Time flies over us, but leaves its shadow behind,” yet Bright Star is sure to shine a modicum of light through that shadow. And as July is sure to fly by quickly, don’t miss your chance to catch Bright Star before it’s over!
Running time: Approximately 2 and a half hours with one 15-20 minute intermission
Bright Star plays through Saturday July 23rd, 2022 with Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, 143 Compromise Street, Annapolis MD. Tickets can be purchased online or by phone at 410-268-9212.
