Bright Star
Georgia Ensemble Theatre
through April 16, 2023

This new work by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell has been playing to audiences who are swept away by the story; as well as the music and choreography. A cast of 18 players take on about 30+ roles as they back each other up in ensemble numbers.

The play tells a story about a not-so-nice activity that happened with the birth of a child in some hick town, and how a good ole boy mayor spells it out when he sings, A Man’s Gotta Do. But that’s only one of two dozen numbers with a five piece band onstage in this show where the action never really stops.

Anita Allen-Farley and James Donadio produced and directed this final opus and Thomas W. Jones, II put together the choreography while Christian Magby and LeRell Ross directed the score.

You do need to know that this one isn’t for the kiddies nor the Ms. Prims, as it deals with a pregnancy and birth, as well as adoption, alcoholism, the loss of an infant and the grief that flows for so many years.

Final Opus? Yes; in that Georgia Ensemble will be bringing their 2023-2024 offerings to the stage starting this fall, where the Lyric Theatre played for years, in east Cobb. But, I assure you it will be worth the extra few miles. Enjoy!