Faith in Theatres: BRIGHT STAR REVIEW

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/
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