Bright Star
by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell
Sentinel Theatre, 2025
Director - Andrew Jefferies
Music Director - Chari Bennett
Choreographer - Stephanie Cole
Stage Manager - Jane Smith
Assistant Stage Manager - Eden Atwood
Scenic Design - Kristyan Williams
Lighting Design - Caleb Wallengren
Sound Design - Nathan Martineau
Costume Design - Rebecca Fenton & Kaely Hope
Hair & Makeup Design - Lily Shepherd
Props Design - Cindy Andersen
“I’ve seen Bright Star nearly a dozen times, and while each production offers something new, Sentinel Theatre’s staging truly had it all—phenomenal performances, outstanding music, beautiful design, and an emotional core that felt raw and real. …This production is not only the best I’ve seen of this musical, but one of the most moving nights of theater I’ve experienced in a very long time. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Bring your family, bring your friends, and prepare to be swept away. Sentinel Theatre has cemented itself as a company to watch, and I cannot wait to see what they do next.” Read full review here.
Bright Star is no stranger amongst high schools and community theaters in Utah, so I was determined to use this musical to demonstrate my unique approach and dedication to character-driven storytelling for the audiences already familiar with this musical.
Throughout the production, I utilized the ensemble to show the impact and repercussions of every single action taken or word said by the main characters - like ripples extending into the past and future from Alice's life.
“Bright Star is a great show. I’m so glad that it has renewed life at the community theater level. Sentinel Theatre has done it again with their production. Director Andrew Jefferies had a vision…and he carried it out masterfully. I enjoy his directing style and the way he tells stories. I cannot recommend this production more.”
Read full review here.