There is something magical about the unknown. The smaller lesser well-known plays, the twists and turns you don’t see coming, the ones you might, especially in intimate venues.
It’s different to the bold architecture of The Phantom of the Opera at His Majesties Theatre, Palais des Sports’ Les Misérables, and the all-singing, all-dancing display at Eugene O’Neill for The Book of Mormon.
There is something special about stepping away from the classics and into a new world – a world where you don’t know the songs or the steps.
And, that is what happened last night when Wonthaggi Theatrical Group opened Bright Star to a near full house.
A journey to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina in 1946, Bright Star is a heartwarming and poignant musical that weaves together themes of love, hope, redemption and the enduring power of the human spirit.
But before we delve into the story and cast one must not forget those who make it happen behind the scenes, and this, as follows is certainly not an exhaustive list.
Firstly, the set design by Tad Hendry, in its minimalism is simple and sparse, yet effective as you are transported between 1946, 1923, Hayes Creek, Asheville and Zebulon, with a train journey in between. The ensemble plays a large part in transposing between scenes.
The costumes curated by Mayumi McPhee are a reflection of the historical periods and the emotional roller coaster between eras. An authentic representation of rural Southern fashion, suspenders and florals that transition to mature tailored attire and three-piece suits, and it would be remiss not to mention the pink dress and shoes – absolutely delightful!
The fluid and expressive choreography designed by Angela Hogan is energetic and purposeful elevating the story that at times is high energy and intense, whilst infusing the more sombre moments of the soft and subdued. Musically Bright Star is brilliant, a fusion of bluegrass, folk and Americana, the band, under the guidance of Musical Director Jane Chambers, brings the distinctive and authentic sound of the show’s Southern roots into a soulful and immersive soundscape. Balancing the elements, and creating seamless transitions be prepared for foot-stomping, energetic clapping and emotionally charged ballads.
David Wall, in his WTG Stage Manager debut, brings to life the subtle sounds and lighting changes on cue with Trevor Wyhoon (Lighting Design) and Brett Van Hoorn (Sound Design) and the team.
Seasoned director Karen Milkins-Hendry once again brings a beautiful script to life in her interpretation of Bright Star. The cohesive production seamlessly blends emotively charged action with subtle silences that take the audience on a journey through deeply moving moments, light-hearted humour and unexpected twists, offering an experience that is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming.
Her vision is brought to life through the wonderful casting of seasoned WTG actors and impressive new debuts.
Eighteen-year-old lead Leisel Burrow imbues Alice Murphy’s multifaceted story – from a wild, young girl to a poised, accomplished woman, a nuanced performance. Learning all the lines before the first rehearsal, Leisel’s portrayal in a pivotal scene is gut-wrenching.
Heartthrob Jimmy Ray Dobbs, played by Jonah Van Stekelenburg, immerses the audience in his flirtatious and handsome charm. The quick wit contrasts the difficult conversations and belting vocals.
The music, co-written by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, interweaves the parallel storyline of Billy Cane and Margo Crawford, played by Taine Lowe and Cecily De Gooyer respectively. It would be remiss not to mention the expressive and dynamic performances of the duo and their take on young love, it will melt even the coldest heart, filling one with the fluttering sensation and memories of first love.
The light-hearted comedy duo of Daryl (Jay Nelson) and Lucy (Jaz Hendry) is dynamic and understated in a musical that blends thought-provoking and challenging topics.
Nick Carver, Brad Boucher, Joel Stevenson and Kathryn Stephan round out a fantastic feature cast that is accompanied by a spellbinding ensemble that includes Archie, Camryn, Lachlan, Lara, Linda, Lou, Mark and Yasmin, who are hugely active throughout.
The themes certainly resonate long after the final curtain with one audience member noting she needed tissues.
The production is complemented by a great front-of-house and behind-the-scenes team, that includes production assistants and coordinators, hair and make-up, photography and marketing.
“We didn’t know about (Bright Star) until a very special member of the group, Mungo Trumble had his very first professional lighting gig, designing for the musical Bright Star at Chapel Off Chapel. We went because we wanted to see Mungo’s lighting work. We knew nothing of the show,” Karen explained.
“We fell in love within the first five minutes.
“A year later, another friend was starring in it, and (Tad and I) saw it again, and decided we really wanted to bring it to South Gippsland.”
Released the same year as Hamilton, Bright Star received multiple Tony nominations but was overshadowed by the immense popularity and critical acclaim of Hamilton, making it challenging for Bright Star to gain the recognition it deserved.
“Chapel Off Chapel is a similar sized stage to ours and we were inspired; it’s got all the feels.”
There is no denying the audience was moved, Karen noting the aspiration for the audience take-away is to encourage hope against the odds, “the enduring resilience for people who have had life throw them some tough curves.”
“(Last night) my creative soul was filled,” Karen said.
"I was really proud watching the performance and thinking of the many, many people behind what the audience was seeing… A very talented local cast, the talented band and their energy and enjoyment that the audience could see – I loved that. And all the production elements surrounding that, that were on point. It all came together to create a really warm, heartfelt experience for the audience.”
A short nine-week rehearsal period, Karen was emotionally moved by Alice and Jimmy Ray’s duet, and during Jimmy Ray’s solo “Heartbreak”. You’ll have to see the musical for more on these moments!
Tickets are still available with the production running at 7.30pm tonight, tomorrow night (Grand Final Saturday) and a 2pm matinee on Sunday. With cast and crew taking back to the stage next Thursday and Friday evenings (October 3 and 4) and Saturday, October 5 for a 2pm matinee and 7.30pm evening show.
Let Wonthaggi Theatre Group take you on a journey to the South in the years 1923 and 1946.
Tickets available at trybooking.com/CTWIT
*GRAND FINAL SPECIAL: Tickets reduced to $30 each for Saturday, September 28.