Bright Star is inspired by a true story written by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. The musical tells a story of love and redemption set in the American South during the 1920s and 1940s.
Not something that Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts usually does, it decided to bring the musical to life. The show is double cast with cast members being separated into two groups, the Asheville cast and the Raleigh cast.
The story follows Alice Murphy as she meets a soldier after World War 11. Zoe G., playing Alice, said "We go from her present, which is the 1940s, and her past in the 1920s. We go back and forth and we see some highs and lows in her past. As the play goes on, the stories start to merge, and some questions that you had about her past start being answered in the present."
This story comes with a maturity warning. Director Victoria Steffins, says "It definitely handles some more adult themes like pregnancy before marriage and alcohol. There are a few more themes in there, but that is why the workshop is for aged 13 to 18."
Madelynn H., playing Alice, also says about the maturity of the show, "We highly suggest that if you are going to bring your kids to the show, just be aware that there are going to be some touchy subjects that happen during the show."
Strauss Youth Academy is performing Bright Star for one weekend only. The performance on Friday, July 22 will begin at 7 p.m. The second and third performances will be on Saturday, July 23 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The fourth and final show will be Sunday, July 24 at 3 p.m.
Tickets are available for purchase at Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts. Admission for adults is $15 and $10 for students.
