The reviews for Bright Star are in, and this new Broadway musical feels remarkably un-Broadway. Featuring bluegrass music, relatively relaxed choreography, and storytelling that feels distinctly Southern (and old fashioned, some say), the new musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell is unlike other Great White Way options. The standout is Carmen Cusack, making a stunning Broadway debut, who plays both 1920s youthful and 1940s mature versions of the same character, protagonist Alice Murphy. Joining her in the spotlight are a pair of males, one with aspirations to share his stories (A.J. Shively) and one the object of young lust (Paul Alexander Nolan) – they both also shine. It may not be traditional Broadway fare, but it offers a sentimental night for those looking to have one.
NEW YORK TIMES REVIEW OF BRIGHT STAR
Bluegrass on Broadway? Yes sirree. The warming sounds of banjos, fiddles and even an accordion are filling the Cort Theater, where the musical “Bright Star” opened on Thursday, bringing a fresh breeze from the South to the spring theater season. Perhaps more surprising is the source of the songs that give a heady…
“If you knew my story, you’d have a good story to tell,” sings Alice (Carmen Cusack) in the introductory number of “Bright Star.” But would you know how to tell it? That’s where Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, cowriters of this gawky tall tale, fall short. The musical toggles between the 1940s, when Alice is the…
At some point between its San Diego premiere in September 2014 and its pre-Broadway tryout at the Kennedy Center earlier this winter, the musical “Bright Star,” which bows at the Cort tonight, acquired a new opening number. Many shows do; it’s been almost a rite of passage since Jerome Robbins rescued “A Funny…
A key inspiration for Bright Star was a real-life story from 1902, but the plot contrivances woven around that incident — a lost infant, an encounter many years later between strangers unaware of their deep connection, a conveniently timed discovery and a rapturous happy ending, complete with matching betrothals…
Steve Martin and Edie Brickell collaborated on two wonderful banjo-and-whimsy fueled albums (the first, “Love Has Come For You,” won a Grammy in 2013 for best American roots song). Fans of Martin’s wide-ranging gifts as comedian, author, movie star, art collector, playwright (count me in) have seen his avocation…
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2 thoughts on “The Reviews for BRIGHT STAR Are In…”
Broadway Musical Blog 
I enjoyed this new musical at the Cort Theatre. I thought Carmen did an outstanding performance and I really enjoyed the music, very refreshing!
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