When I made the goal to see as many shows as possible this summer I knew it would require checking out some new theaters and getting some driving under my belt. Nowhere was that more true than tonight when I ventured way up to the Ziegfeld Theater in Ogden to see a show I love called Bright Star. This is my second time seeing this show. The first time was seeing the US Touring production with Carmen Cusack playing Alice Murphy. She originated the role so of course she was amazing.

Bright Star is the creation of Steve Martin and Edie Brickell and tells the story of Alice Murphy, a magazine editor in 1946 who has a background of love, betrayal, all in small town South Carolina. One day she meets a young returning soldier named Billy Cane who comes from another small town called Hayes Creek. These two’s stories become entwined together in a touching narrative accompanied by beautiful bluegrass songs.

This production of Bright Star had an excellent cast. Jordyn Aspyn gave Carmen Cusack a run for her money. Charles Teuscher and Dylan Panter are great as Jimmy and Billy respectively. Sarah Weyrich is hilarious as Lucy. I also enjoyed the way the props and set design flowed and the choreography was great!

I don’t know if I just got lucky but the crowd was very involved and boisterous, which was fun for the bluegrass feel of it all. This is the first show I’ve been to that had snacks both before it started and at intermission, which was nice because with no AC I was hot by the time I made it to the theater and needed some cold water.

Everyone at the Ziegfeld Theater Arts should be very proud of themselves. I loved their production of Bright Star. It is playing until the 26th so if you can get your way there I highly recommend it.

9 out of 10