We’re excited to announce the upcoming production of Bright Star, a heartfelt Appalachian bluegrass musical. Written by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, at Formato Fine Arts Gallery in Wytheville, Virginia. Directed by Joe Burnett, with musical direction by Holly Montgomery and choreography by Shane Terry, this production will take the stage from April 24-27 and May 1-4. Set in the historic courthouse building in downtown Wytheville, the intimate gallery setting will be the perfect backdrop for this beautiful story.
A Story of Love, Loss, and Redemption
Bright Star follows Alice Murphy, an editor of a Southern literary magazine in the 1940s, as she embarks on a personal journey through the secrets of her past. Alice’s story intersects with that of Billy Cane, a young writer who returns home to North Carolina after World War II and finds himself searching for answers to questions about his own identity.
The musical spans multiple decades, transitioning between the 1920s and the 1940s, capturing the intertwined fates of these two characters. Bright Star explores the powerful themes of love, loss, and the search for redemption, all framed by the vibrant sounds of bluegrass and Americana. Through its evocative score and poignant lyrics, it brings to life the resilience and spirit of the Appalachian people.
With songs like "If You Knew My Secret" and "Sun’s Gonna Shine," the musical showcases the beautiful collaboration of Steve Martin’s witty storytelling and Edie Brickell’s soulful music, blending genres to create a truly unforgettable experience.
Get Involved: Audition for Bright Star
This is a community-centered production, and we’re inviting all types of performers to audition—musicians, singers, dancers, and even those with no formal acting experience. You don’t need acting skills to be part of this show! Whether you’re a seasoned performer or someone who’s simply passionate about the music and spirit of the show, we encourage you to audition.
We’re looking for individuals to fill various roles, from instrumentalists to chorus members, so if you have experience with bluegrass instruments, or if you love to sing, this is your opportunity to shine. The beauty of Bright Star is that it gives performers of all kinds the chance to contribute, whether through acting, singing, or playing instruments.
Auditions will be held on Saturday, February 8, and Sunday, February 9 at 100 W Main Street, Wytheville VA 24382 —mark your calendars and come be a part of this remarkable production!
Meet the Creative Team
We’re thrilled to have a talented creative team bringing Bright Star to life:
Joe Burnett (Director): Joe’s vision and expertise will guide the production, bringing this moving story to the stage in a way that resonates with the Wytheville community.
Holly Montgomery (Musical Director): Holly brings her deep musical knowledge and passion for the show’s bluegrass score, ensuring that the music will shine.
Shane Terry (Choreographer): Shane’s choreography will add another layer of energy and emotion to the production, beautifully complementing the music and storytelling.
Why This Production is Special
What makes this production of Bright Star so unique is the opportunity to experience it in the heart of Wytheville, Virginia, at Formato Fine Arts Gallery. The gallery’s historic setting provides an intimate, immersive space for the audience to connect with the story on a deeper level. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate our Appalachian roots and the powerful themes of the musical in a community-centered atmosphere.
Tickets Coming Soon
Tickets for Bright Star will be available soon! Be sure to stay updated on our website and social media for ticket information. Whether you're a fan of bluegrass, a lover of musical theater, or someone who simply enjoys heartfelt storytelling, Bright Star is a production you won’t want to miss.
We look forward to sharing this unforgettable journey with you—join us at Formato Fine Arts Gallery and be part of this incredible experience!
Email us to reserve your ticket or to submit audition information!
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