AGE ADVISORY:

“Bright Star” contains some mature themes that may be more appropriate and relevant to pre-teens and older.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

Inspired by a real event, “Bright Star” tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and 1940s. “Bright Star” is the story of one woman at two different points in her life: First, when she is young and carefree in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and, second, when she is a magazine editor 22 years later. Her story is woven with that of an idealistic young man with whom she shares a mysterious connection.

DIGGING DEEPER:

“Bright Star” is the product of a collaboration between Grammy®, Emmy® and Academy Award®-winning Steve Martin and Grammy Award®-winning Edie Brickell. Steve Martin originally came into the public eye as a comedy writer and stand-up comedian, making frequent appearances on “The Tonight Show” and “Saturday Night Live.”

Since the 1980s, Martin has become a successful actor, as well as an author, playwright, pianist, and banjo player. In 2013, Martin collaborated on a bluegrass music album with Edie Brickell called “Love Has Come for You,” which eventually led to the development of “Bright Star.”

“Bright Star” is not Martin’s first time writing for the stage. In 1993, Martin wrote his first full-length play, “Picasso at the Lapin Agile.” The play features the characters of Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso, who meet at a bar called the Lapin Agile (French: “Nimble Rabbit”) in Paris.

FUN FACT:

In 1986, “What I Am,” Edie Brickell’s song with The New Bohemians, reached number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Alice Murphy is a talented career woman despite having to overcome a traumatic event in her past. What challenges have you had to overcome to achieve a goal?
2. Billy Cane is a young man with dreams of becoming a successful writer. What is your dream profession? Why?
3. Forgiveness is a central theme in “Bright Star.” Can you think of a time when you had to forgive someone for something that they did to you? How were you able to move on?

RESERVE YOUR SEATS FOR “BRIGHT STAR”

Questions? Comment below and we’ll answer as quickly and as best we can!