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Reviewed by JOHN SHAND at the Sydney Morning Herald:
"MUSICAL THEATRE BRIGHT STAR Hayes Theatre, September 11 Until October 5 Reviewed by JOHN SHAND ★★★★ Don’t necessarily judge a musical by its soundtrack. The original Broadway cast recording of Bright Star suggested I was in for a long night. The music and lyrics, by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, are in a bluegrass/country vein, evoking the setting in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The songs sounded samey, the singing ordinary, and perhaps there was a good reason why nobody had penned a bluegrass musical before. But that didn’t allow for Steve Martin’s book, with its sharply drawn characters, wit and poignancy – as well as unabashed melodrama – melodrama having kept country ballads simmering since folks first donned cowboy boots. It also didn’t allow for the Broadway album’s singing being completely outgunned in a production devised, improbably, by leading Shakespeare company, Sport for Jove. Why, I’d wondered, would Sport for Jove lower the bar to hick musical theatre? Now I understand. Although this is the company’s first musical, music has long been key to its Shakespeare productions, and Bright Star burnishes rather than clouds its reputation. Directors Miranda Middleton and Damien Ryan and musical director Alec Steedman have assembled a 16-person ensemble, almost all of whom act, sing, dance and play. It seemed only three band members didn’t have a character to play, and only one cast member didn’t play an instrument. That was Hannah McInerney in the pivotal role of Alice Murphy. She has two especially potent songs, Please Don’t Take Him and At Long Last, and they would test the ability of any female singer not to become shrill while squeezing out the show’s emotional marrow. McInerney was superlative – and also acted her socks off as a literary magazine editor whose newborn babe was ripped from her arms 23 years before. The show zigzags between 1946 and 1923 with an abruptness that initially teases, but we get our heads around it, and learn to trust Martin’s storytelling and invest in his detailed characters. In an ensemble of co-leads, the expert actors included Cameron Bajraktarevic-Hayward, Kaya Byrne, Jack Green, Sean van Doornum, Katrina Retallick and Rupert Reid. Special mentions must go to Deirdre Khoo, who maximises the minor role of Lucy most entertainingly, and Genevieve Goldman (Margo), who has an ideal voice for the material, and who, upon learning that her love interest, Billy, is being published by Alice’s magazine, performs a little dance of exquisite ecstasy. The lively choreography by Shannon Burns dovetails with the whip-crack directing, including such joy as a door held up to be knocked on, which, upon being opened, magically becomes a dining table. Designer Isabel Hudson cunningly implied the prevailing rusticity while accommodating 16 performers on the tight stage. Yes, the melodrama undid certain moments, and the redemptive storyline was predictable, yet all was animated by the music’s high energy under Steedman’s direction and Victoria Falconer’s onstage supervision.
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REVIEWED BY CHERELLE FLEMMING from What's The Show:
"The spectacular Bright Star musical presented by Sport For Jove Theatre Company, in association with Hayes Theatre Co, is a spellbinding must-see. Co-Directed by Miranda Middleton and Damien Ryan, Musical Direction by Alec Steedman and produced by Christopher Tomkinson and Isabella Milkovitsch, this creative team – along with their cast – have created an absolute masterpiece. The magnificent cast left me in awe of their radiating talent. In the theatre world we talk about “triple-threat” performers who can sing, dance, and act. Well, this sensational cast raised the bar adding instrumental skills into the mix-quadruple threats! This highly acclaimed production transports audiences to the 1920s and ‘40s in the American South. Steve Martin and Edie Brickell were inspired to write Bright Star after discovering an old newspaper article about the “Iron Mountain Baby” – an incredible true story of a baby’s miraculous survival after being thrown from a moving train inside a suitcase. Rescued and adopted by an elderly couple, this miraculous story sparked a reimagining that became this heartwarming, bittersweet tale. Now to the music: the score is brilliant-one you’ll want to add to your playlist. The powerful bluegrass songs resonate with heartfelt emotion, striking the audience with every note. Congratulations to the Musical Director, Alec Steedman on an outstanding job of directing this talented cast to deliver an exhilarating performance. The impeccable harmonies and the all-round musicianship of the singers and instrumentalists were absolutely inspirational. Hannah McInerney is sensational in the lead role of Alice Murphy. She took my breath away from the opening number with her angelic vocals, rich with Southern warmth. Her playful, engaging acting was both charming and humorous yet deeply moving in the poignant moments. At times, I was wiping away tears; at others, laughing in hysterics. Hannah kept me captivated throughout her intoxicating performance. Kaya Byrne gave an electric performance as the charismatic Jimmy Ray. Kaya sings, plays guitar and harmonica with utmost professionalism, and conveys his character’s heartbreak and anguish with depth and honesty. Kaya’s emotive performance was deeply impactful, leaving my heart in my throat. Cameron Bajraktarevic-Hayward is utterly delightful as Billy Cane. Expertly playing the cello during the show, he delivered the role with skill, energy and heart. His agile dance moves and magnetic stage presence enhanced an already brilliant performance. Deirdre Khoo shines as Lucy, flawlessly showcasing her talents on accordion, vocals, dance and acting. Her show-stopping moves illuminated Shannon Burns’ masterful choreography. Deirdre, alongside Jack Green who played the comedic Daryl, brought plenty of laugh-out-loud moments which kept the audience well entertained. Jack Green also played the sincere Daddy Cane, a contrasting character full of emotional depth and sincerity. Genevieve Goldman, as the comedic relief character Margo, brought dynamic energy to the story. With fabulous comedic timing, striking vocals and impressive acting, Genevieve provided an engaging performance. As the villainous Mayor, Seán van Doornum was remarkable. Portraying a detestable character convincingly can be difficult, but his superb performance captured the proud, unfeeling, and truly evil nature of the role. Katrina Retallick and Rupert Reid as Mama and Daddy Murphy were a powerhouse duo. Katrina’s stunning vocals, especially her harmonies with Hannah, were unforgettable. Her raw intensity in the harrowing scenes amplified the emotional impact. Rupert’s portrayal of an uncompromising father, weighed down by regret, was equally striking—his natural, convincing delivery perfectly suited the show’s era. Bright Star will make you laugh, cry and fall in love with its story and musical score. This impactful production, with its incredible stellar cast, is not to be missed. I am certain you will fall in love with it, just as I have. To book tickets to Bright Star – A Bluegrass Musical, please visit https://www.sportforjove.com.au/bright-star-2025." REVIEWED by FAITH IN THEATRES: Small-town life hides big emotions, and Bright Star knows exactly how to uncover them. This musical gem surprises and captivates, sneaking up on you to reveal the hidden depth behind the ordinary with playful precision. From the first chord, you are carried along in a current of story that pulses through every performer. Bright Star is written and composed by the one and only Steve Martin, along with the acclaimed screenwriter, playwright, and singer-songwriter Edie Brickell. Set in North Carolina between 1923 and 1946, it follows Alice Murphy (Hannah McInerney), a literary editor, whose encounter with Billy, a young soldier home from World War II (played by a layered and engaging Cameron Bajraktarevic-Hayward), stirs a longing for the child she lost years earlier with her first love, Jimmy Ray (Kaya Byrne). Driven by this connection, Alice embarks on a search to uncover her past and the secrets surrounding her baby. Sport For Jove’s distinctive flavour; inventive staging, and intimate yet adventurous storytelling make every moment feel immediate, alive, and uniquely theatrical. The narrative moves fluidly between past and present, balancing tender emotional vignettes with whimsical, energetic moments that bring the world vividly to life. The large cast of actor-musicians is simply astounding… Their skill and versatility make them the heartbeat of the production, carrying the story and its emotional weight with energy and finesse The fabulous bluegrass-infused score, masterfully crafted by musical director Alec Steedman, lies at the heart of Bright Star and gives voice to its unmistakably Southern soul. The twangy, earthy textures, acoustic warmth, and intricate harmonies ground the North Carolina setting, together with lively rhythms and spirited melodies that evoke the full spectrum of human connection.
The large cast of actor-musicians is simply astounding. They not only act, sing, and dance, but also perform a vast array of instruments while seamlessly navigating multiple characters, supporting roles, and scene changes. Their skill and versatility make them the heartbeat of the production, carrying the story and its emotional weight with energy and finesse. Isabel Hudson’s set design uses every square inch of The Hayes limited space, from the raised platform to carefully chosen props, to create an environment that feels both intimate and expansive, perfectly framing the emotional landscape of the show. Lighting designer James Wallis complements this with subtle shifts in tone and evocative texture that guide the audience through time and pathos. The story is well-paced, with moments of darkness that hit with real emotional weight. Towards the end of Act 1, “Please, Don’t Take Him,” when Alice is forced to give up her newborn, brims with fear and angst, and “A Man’s Gotta Do,” performed by a sinister Seán van Doornum as the Mayor, concludes in a morally wrenching climax. In Act 2, the show really takes off, soaring with irresistible momentum and an exhilarating mix of song and feeling. Kaya Byrne and Hannah McInerney play the leading lovers, charting a beautiful journey from innocent first love through heartbreak to eventual reconciliation. Their performances capture the delicate balance of longing and hope, and their well-matched voices reach a luminous high point in the duet “I Had a Vision,” while McInerney’s scenes with her Mama (the wonderful Katrina Retallick) in “Sun’s Gonna Shine” perfectly convey the enduring promise of healing and quiet conviction. The comedic moments and the broad appeal of the ensemble as eclectic town folk provide a delightful counterbalance. Their quirky, memorable performances capture the vivacity and eccentricity of small-town life, adding levity while highlighting the humanity of the community. Genevieve Goldman sparkles as Margo, the lovable, goofy local bookseller and Alice’s friend, opposite Cameron Bajraktarevic-Hayward. Their mischievous romance glows in “Always Will,” where song and comedy fuse with effortless charm. Deirdre Khoo as Lucy and Jack Green as Daryl deliver delightful performances, turning everyday office antics at the Asheville Southern Journal into well-delivered banter and brilliant one-liners. This show constantly kicks up a bluegrass storm. Khoo’s featured number, “Another Round,” is a standout, showcasing the ensemble’s sharp timing and fantastic vaudeville flair while the grand number ‘The Picnic Dance’ bursts with infectious energy and sheer joy. Choreographer Shannon Burns’s inventive staging and dynamic movement capture the characters’ quirks and exuberance, pulling everyone straight into its lively heartbeat. Bright Star may not be widely known, but it tells a story that feels familiar – the journey of a life shaped by love, loss, and resilience. What makes it truly unforgettable is a stellar cast, bold and creative direction, and rich, vibrant musical arrangements that generate a completely infectious energy. Not even the torrential weather of Sydney’s last hurrah of winter could dampen the audience’s opening night spirits. Go and see it. You’ll walk out feeling uplifted, moved, and swept up in its magic. Bright Star plays until 5 Oct at The Hayes Theatre. For further details see : https://hayestheatre.com.au/event/bright-star/ From bluegrass ballads to standing ovations —stay connected with the soul of the stage. Follow Faith in Theatres on Facebook and Instagram. Because theatre need Faith. |
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