Most people know the comedian Steve Martin as a “wild and crazy guy.” Many others know him as a world-class banjo player. But who knew he was a sentimental songwriter and playwright?
The secret is out as “Bright Star,” the musical he created with pop singer Edie Brickell, playing at the Cohoes Music Hall through February 13, is a gentle, sweet story filled with sentimental tenderness.
The story takes place in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, It’s set in the mid-1940s right after World War II. There are flashbacks to 1923. It’s nearly impossible to say too much about the plot of the story without ruining the play’s conclusion. The characters all have secrets, but the musical holds little mystery.
I doubt that many in the audience won’t suspect the play’s happy ending, but the story isn’t the point of attending the show. The reason to attend “Bright Star” is for the lovely music, fine acting and the clever staging of a musical that is loving and sweet.
Though the story will engage you, it is perhaps the weakest part of the production. At its simplest, it’s kind of a boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl type of story with a whole lot of stuff in between. And I mean a whole lot of stuff. In today’s world of the 90-minute production, a two-act show that takes 2 ½ hours to perform seems bloated.
Indeed, to describe the life of the central figure, Alice Murphy, you think you were seeing the saddest musical ever. Which isn’t true. “Bright Star” is not a depressing show. Instead it’s a play filled with tender somber emotions. And because the production is excellent, you’re seldom saying to yourself “Can’t we just move along?”
That’s because if the storytelling is frail, the music is pure pleasure. The list of mesmerizing heartfelt numbers is too many to list. Martin and Brickell are almost uncanny as to how they get the emotions of a character expressed in song.
The majority of those beautiful ballads are sung by Molly Rose McGrath who offers a marvelous performance as Alice. Whether it be a young girl who has her life destroyed by dominating parents, or as the hardnosed editor of a prestigious literary journal, or a woman who has her life returned to her, McGrath finds the power of the moment with every song she sings.
Alice makes a grueling journey and McGrath keeps her grounded in every situation. Whether It be the beautiful music or the sensitive lyrical interpretations, McGrath captures the moment.
The music in the show is of the Bluegrass genre, which offers an opportunity for some great ensemble work. Director Michael LoPorto keeps his large cast on stage all the time, so they bring enthusiasm to the happier moments and provide serious concentration to the songs that offer personal revelations.
And if there are raves to be handed out the 8 piece band, led by Brian Axford, gets them all. They should be booked for a concert of their own when “Bright Star” ends its run. They are fantastic.
This is not a one-woman show. Any cast that includes Aaron Holbritter, Marc Christopher, Brandon Jones, Shawn Morgan and Dashira Cortes means every supporting role will serve the whole. And the quality actors make the most of every scene.
As the loyal but weak young man, Jimmy Ray Dobbs , played by Matthew Dembling, makes a good romantic foil for Alice, especially after he grows up. Daniel Jameson is an innocent Billy Cane, a young man with literary aspirations. Emma Alteri is a lovely Margo who has a secret crush on Billy.
The latter two are products of the Playhouse Student Program, and several background performers are in the same program, which speaks well for the future of local theater.
“Bright Star” speaks eloquently for the present level of musical theater. It continues through February 13 at the Cohoes Music Hall. For tickets and schedule information call 518-434-0776 or go to playhousestage.org. Proof of vaccination is needed for entry and masks must be worn inside. There are socially distant seating shows on Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon.
Bob Goepfert is theater reviewer for the Troy Record.
The views expressed by commentators are solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the views of this station or its management.
