SANDY—Bright Star is a tender, bluegrass-infused musical that blends heartbreak, humor, and hope into a story about love lost and found across generations. With music, book, and story by comedian Steve Martin and singer-songwriter Edie Brickell, the show’s charm lies in its blend of down-home Americana, beautiful melodies, and a heart wrenching narrative that jumps between two timelines in the American South.
Set in North Carolina, Bright Star tells the story of Alice Murphy (Ashley Shamy) in two distinct eras: her rebellious youth in the 1920s and her more mature life as a literary editor in the 1940s. As the two timelines intertwine, we discover the heartbreaking secret that shaped her life — and the bright star that guides her back toward hope.
One of Sandy Art Guild’s most effective storytelling devices is how it visualizes Alice’s journey “step back in time.” Shamy literally steps out of her refined adult shoes and into her younger self’s attire onstage — a simple but striking choice that highlights the show’s dual timeline and emotional layering.
As Alice, Shamy is the steady center of the production. Her North Carolina drawl feels authentic and consistent, both spoken and sung, and her singing voice soars in standout numbers like “At Last” and “I Had a Vision.” She brings both vulnerability and strength to Alice’s journey from spirited teenager to weathered adult, and her consistency in accent and emotion provides a steadying center for the show.
Opposite her, Jared Saunders takes on the role of Jimmy Ray Dobbs, Alice’s first love and the son of a controlling small-town mayor, (Jim Dale). Saunders is a strong vocalist and has shown charisma in other Sandy Arts roles (notably as Harold Hill in The Music Man); however, this particular role doesn’t showcase his strengths as fully. His portrayal of young Jimmy Ray doesn’t quite capture the youthful energy the character demands, and an unfortunate wig choice distracts rather than helps. The chemistry between Alice and Jimmy Ray—so central to the story’s emotional impact—felt more tepid than tender, which slightly muted the show’s most poignant moments. Still, Saunders’s rich baritone voice remains a highlight.
Bright Star plays through October 18 | Photos : Kim Fillmore
Joel Peterson brings warmth and sincerity to Billy Cane, an aspiring young writer returning home from World War II. His duets with Eden Rhodes as Margo Crawford are among the production’s sweetest moments. Rhodes’ voice shines especially in “Asheville,” her performance heartfelt and genuine. Though their romantic chemistry could have used a bit more spark.
The supporting cast offers several standout performances. Mindy Taylor as Mama Murphy gives the show some of its most heartfelt scenes. Her emotional authenticity in moments with Alice and her stirring rendition of “Sun’s Gonna Shine” provide the kind of soul the show thrives on. Shannon Ricks and Nathan Holcomb, as Lucy and Daryl, inject humor and energy every time they appear. Their comedic timing, physicality, and impeccable harmonies—especially in the lively “Another Round”—light up the stage and bring welcome levity to the show’s heavier moments.
Vocally, this production is consistently strong. The ensemble harmonies are lush and well-balanced, and the trio of “spirit angels” sing beautifully throughout the show, even if their costumes, which evoked a bit of an Arabian Nights flair, didn’t quite match the show’s rustic Appalachian tone.
Some of the acting in the show felt uneven. Emotional scenes often hit the right beats on paper but fell short of the raw authenticity that truly tugs at the audience’s heartstrings. Bright Star is a show meant to break your heart before mending it again, and can make even the most stoic viewer tear up. This performance, however, never reached those depths. This may be less an issue of effort and more of direction — an adjustment in pacing, tone, or intimacy by director David Hanson could bring out the emotional depth already hinted at in the performances.
The 10-member live bluegrass band, led by music director Tanner DeHaan, deserves immense praise. Their rich, acoustic sound—filled with banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and guitar—provides an irresistible musical backbone. The band captures the folksy, joyful soundscape that makes Bright Star such a refreshing departure from the traditional Broadway fare. If you’re a fan of Americana music, this score will speak directly to your soul.
The production’s visuals are effective, but modest. The projected backdrops add atmosphere and create vivid scenes of rural Carolina life—but at other times, they feel mismatched, such as in the show’s “train” sequence, which unintentionally looked more like a theme park ride than a tragedy. Still, for a community production, the technical elements are thoughtfully executed and never overwhelm the storytelling.
Despite some imperfections, Bright Star remains a touching story of second chances, forgiveness, and the redemptive power of love. In the end, the story’s spirit shines through. Sandy Arts offers audiences an evening of toe-tapping tunes and tender storytelling. The music alone is reason enough to attend, and the genuine effort of the cast and crew makes it easy to root for them.
These reviews are made possible by a grant from the Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts, and Parks program.
