What Could Be Better

Bright Star – Boho Theatre

Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, both during the 1920’s and in the mid-1940’s, this emotionally charged musical was somewhat based upon a true story. Although the show isn’t historically accurate, it was inspired by a rural legend called “The Iron Mountain Baby.” Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, who collaborated on the book, music and lyrics for this new musical, used the story as their springboard, asking themselves, “What if…?” The resulting musical is filled with everything that audiences love:  beautiful music; an engaging story; tragedy, suffering and remorse; an emotional roller coaster; redemption and a happy ending.

This bluegrass musical had a three-year journey from its first workshop until it finally reached Broadway. Although it earned five Tony nominations, the show was considered sweet, but almost too sugary, for urbane, New York audiences; however, as demonstrated through BoHo’s lovely production, it’s a small, tender show to be embraced by audiences throughout the American heartland, as well as in Chicago.

The story focuses on Alice Murphy, a young woman who grew up in a small mountain town, but somehow went on to become the tough literary editor of the Asheville Journal. Billy Cane, a naive, young GI, returns home from the War, determined to be a writer. He bids farewell to his daddy and his ardent admirer, bookstore owner, Margo, and heads off to the big city with some of his stories. When he arrives, Alice spots something special in the young, would-be author and decides to take him under her wing. Bounded by the past and present, the story gradually unfolds, revealing Alice’s relationship between her one true love, Jimmy Ray Dobbs, and a deeper connection between the steely editor and her protege, Billy Cane.

The lilting, bluegrass score is the star of this small scale musical. The poignant story is almost secondary, but it serves to inspire and connect the show’s 20 tender, heartfelt ballads and spirited, toe-tapping reels. Played by a terrifically talented, seven-member onstage band, and, at times, the actors themselves, the music is what audiences will relish most in this production. Passionately directed and choreographed by Ericka Mac, with dazzling musical direction and accompaniment by Julie B. Nichols, this production simply sings and resounds throughout the intimate Greenhouse Theater.

A Jeff Award-winner for Kokandy Productions’ “Bonnie & Clyde,” Missy Wise is wonderful as Alice Murphy. Nuanced, sometimes understated in her performance, this young actress is musically powerful and masterful in songs like “Asheville,” “What Could Be Better” and “I Had a Vision.” With a vocal quality that’s perfect for country/western music, Missy is the heart and soul of this story and, as such, the standout of this production. 

Ms. Wise is nicely matched by her two leading men. As Jimmy Ray, Josiah Robinson, who was so memorable in Underscore Theater’s “Haymarket,” is splendid. His rendition of “Heartbreaker” and “A Man’s Gotta Do,” sung with talented Scott Danielson, as his father, Mayor Dobbs, are excellent. Jeff Pierpoint is gentle and winning as Billy Cane. Often seen as part of the dancing/singing ensembles at the Marriott, Mr. Pierpoint steps out of the chorus to impress with songs like “Bright Star” and “Always Will,” beautifully sung with Kiersten Frumkin, as his devoted friend, Margo. 

The ensemble is equally magnificent, playing a variety of roles, and delivering every ounce of humor, drama and musical magic with earnest devotion. Ericka Mac, assisted by musical director Julie B. Nichols, have brought a tender, heartbreaking story to the stage in its Chicago debut. With a simple, rustic scenic design, by Lauren M. Nichols, and homespun, period costumes, designed by Robert S. Kuhn, this charming musical provides a sweet, warm, wonderful story to Chicago audiences to herald in the Spring. And, after all, what could be better?

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented March 16-May 5 by BoHo Theatre at the Greenhouse Theater Center 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the Greenhouse box office, by calling them at 773-975-8150 or by going to www.BoHoTheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.