"Bright Star" A Feel Good Musical at the Ahmanson thru 11/19!

If you want to forget all your troubles and woes, hurry on down to the Ahmanson Theatre in downtown LA before November 19! Do not pass go or collect $200. Your blues will drift away from whence they came!

"Bright Star" shines in the way musicals are meant to. No wonder they were the go to remedy in their hey day, curing angst around the globe. We need this type of entertainment ever more, during the prevalent upheaval and discord, occurring internally and externally across the universe.
Since seeing "Bright Star," I've fallen in love once more with the musical genre. I now comprehend why they were essential for healing the planet from the 20's through the 40's, the era during which "Bright Star" takes place.
Celebrating through song and dance is medicine for the soul, the perfect anecdote for treating our deepest wounds and allowing a couple of hours of ecstasy. Only LIVE theatre can reach the innermost confines of your spirit. You have the opportunity to connect with the characters in a way that enables them to touch you on a deep, primal level.
Lead actress, Carmen Cusack, had me at hello. She is a "Bright Star" through and through! No wonder she was Tony nominated for her 2016 Broadway debut in this smart, sharp, thought provoking, poignant, magical musical.

Carmen lights up the entire room, illuminating what an extraordinary talent she is. Even if no one else joined her on the stage, you'd still be mesmerized by her brilliance. My question to the powers that be is: "Where have you been hiding this treasure!!"
Because Carmen raises the bar so high, the entire cast follows suit, much to your delight. You will be completely transformed and magnetized by the heartfelt story and find yourself dancing in your seat to the toe stomping tunes.
La piece de la resistance is the mind blowing band located inside a moveable log cabin. They are the showstoppers and show toppers!
Extended applause go to musical director, conductor, pianist, accordionist Anthony De Angelis. Watching him conduct the top rate artists inside the cabin, as well as the entire pit of musicians (through closed circuit monitors), was pure pleasure.
The violinist, Martha McDonnell, deserves special mention. She's a gem to watch, producing memorable moments while skillfully and proficiently playing her stringed instrument (a character in and of itself).
What a joy to be surrounded by aficionados reveling in the enthrall that is live theatre. It's evidence Angelenos don't have to travel 3000 miles for superlative shows.
Throughout the fantastic production, the packed house was completely captivated. Referencing a line from the script "it was so quiet you could hear a leaf drop."
The impressive choreography brings an exuberance to "Bright Star" from beginning to end. Whenever the ensembles breaks out in song and dance, you'll want to jump on the bandwagon and Do-si-do the night away!
The costumes and scenery are magnificent. The direction, special effects, and use of props are top notch. Kudos to the excellent technique used in transitioning scenes from the present to the past and back again.
It's always a thrill to watch a Hollywood ending where everyone's rooting for bliss. During the final standing ovation, it was apparent the crowd was ready for their own hoedown.

"Bright Star" received five Tony Award nominations in 2016 and seven Drama Desk Award noms, winning for Outstanding Music. It also won Outstanding New Score at the Outer Critics Circle Awards.
The musical was inspired after Steve Martin released his third full length album in 2013 "Love Has Come For You" in collaboration with Edie Brickell, which won a Grammy Award for Best American Roots Song for the title track.
Tickets for "Bright Star" are available by calling (213) 972-4400; online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org; or at the Center Theatre Group Box Office located at the Ahmanson Theatre. Tickets range from $30 – $130 (ticket prices are subject to change). The Ahmanson Theatre is located at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles, 90012.