Bright Star Bright Star

Carmen Cusack stars in

Bright Star

Written by Steve Martin & Edie Brickell

Nov 28 - Dec 17

Bright Star

Nov 28 - Dec 17

Genre

Musical

Runtime

2 hrs 15 mins

Intermission

15 minutes

Genre

Musical

Runtime

2 hrs 15 mins

Intermission

15 minutes


Directed by Tony® winner Walter Bobbie and inspired by a real event, this “downright wonderful” (Newsday) original musical tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ‘40s. The story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion, beautiful melodies and powerfully moving performances. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tight in its grasp, BRIGHT STAR is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful.

Though perhaps not your typical “holiday fare,” BRIGHT STAR is thematically aligned with the spirit of the season. Loosely based on an actual event, BRIGHT STAR explores the strength of family - celebrating the traditional and non-traditional families and, in particular, the unique power of parent/child relationships. BRIGHT STAR elevates the importance of storytelling as an integral part of the human experience, begging us to consider: why do we tell stories and what are the kinds of stories we tell?

Propelled by an ensemble of onstage musicians and dancers, the entire show is framed around Carmen Cusack's Alice Murphy, who is "nuanced and forceful, effortlessly eloquent both as the younger Alice and as her older, sterner iteration."(The Guardian) Literary editor Alice develops a relationship with a young soldier just home from World War II, awakening her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past—and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives.

Original BRIGHT STAR lead, Carmen Cusack revives her role, for which she  received universal raves and a 2016 Tony Award nomination. Photo: Nick Stokes.

Original BRIGHT STAR lead, Carmen Cusack revives her role, for which she received universal raves and a 2016 Tony Award nomination. Photo: Nick Stokes.

"A quintessentially American musical, with a style of music utterly its own, BRIGHT STAR captures the indefinable, often complicated love shared between a parent and child. At its core, it’s a heart-rending tribute to all the shared moments of wonder, mystery, sadness, and above all, joy that make a family what it is." -Carole Shorenstein Hays

  • AJ Shively in Bright Star at Curran

  • Bright Star at Curran

  • Carmen Cusack in Bright Star at Curran

SPECIAL DATES:

December 3 Matinee: ASL Interpreted
December 16 Matinee: Audio Described
December 17 Matinee: Open Captioned

Friday Jam Nights

Come early and stay late for live local music curated by California Bluegrass Association!

December 1
December 8
December 15

December 2 Matinee - Community Music Center pre-show performance by Alabamajama and Instrument Petting Zoo beginning at 1:30pm.

From Grammy® winners Steve Martin and Edie Brickell comes BRIGHT STAR, the new musical that "brings a fresh breeze to the theater" (Charles Isherwood, The New York Times).

"Steve Martin and Edie Brickell are huge talents and Carmen Cusack is a revelation." -Chicago Tribune

Cast

Creatives