The Cardinal Gibbons Drama Department showcases its Cappie show, “Bright Star,” on Friday, Nov. 15, under the lights at Nova Southeastern University’s Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center. “Bright Star” uses nostalgia and catchy bluegrass tunes to tell a tale of love and redemption, set against the backdrop of the American South. The book, written by actor and comedian Steve Martin, is based on a true story. The music was written by Martin and pop singer, songwriter Edie Brickell, with lyrics by Brickell.

The story revolves around two characters whose lives are strangely intertwined. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the story revolves around Billy Cane, a soldier, and Alice Murphy, a no-nonsense editor. The story flashes back and forth between 1945 and the early 1920s as a dark secret is discovered and is eventually brought to light resulting in Billy and Alice learning the truth of their pasts and themselves. Senior Darby Silverman shines as Alice Murphy while sophomore Cameron Relicke stars as Billy Cane. Silverman and Relicke are accompanied by a talented lead cast including Parker Greenblatt, Juliana Rios and Amber Arevalo. The story unfolds as a tapestry of deep emotion, with beautiful melodies and enthralling performances by an exceptionally talented ensemble of actors, singers, dancers and musicians.

“‘Bright Star’ is an exciting work where the story and the music are equally compelling and beautiful. The music really tells the story,” said director Erick Crow. “Because of the folk style of the musical, ‘Bright Star’ is different than what people may expect from musical theater so we are thrilled to kick off our season with this performance,” Crow said. 

The show’s production crew is equally talented and is led by Production Manager, Alyssa Chiarello; Stage Manager, Julia Nicolaus; Asst. Stage Manager, Amanda Jones; Head Costume Designer, Meg Price; Head Props Designer, M Lee; and Head Makeup Designer, Lily Krause. 

“Bright Star” is ultimately a triumph of love, understanding, and optimism. It is a beautiful portrayal of the resolve of the human spirit to go on, and ultimately triumph, even under some of the direst of circumstances. This story can breathe, live, and hopefully teach and inspire us to be the best we can be. 

This powerful show is THE must-see show of our season!

PERFORMANCE TIMES
November 15 – 17, 2019. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. 

PERFORMANCE LOCATION
Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center
Nova Southeastern University
3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd., Davie, FL 33314

TICKETS
Tickets on sale at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets $17 in advance and $23 at the box office. Student rush tickets for $15 are available for the Sunday show only.