• Be prepared to experience an emotional rollercoaster.

Salt River Community Theater’s third annual musical production, “Bright Star” opens this week with shows Thursday, Friday, Saturday, November 14-16 and Monday, November 18 at Afton’s historic Ford Theatre. Curtain time is 7 p.m. for all performances.

Based on a true story, “Bright Star” is a musical by Steve Martin Edie Brickell.  Set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina in the 1920s and 1940s, the show follows parallel timelines that come together in a celebration of redemption and unexpected gratitude and joy. Idealistic editor Alice Murphy, and ambitious soldier-turned-writer Billy Cane, find that healing can be found in the most unexpected people and places.

“This musical has had a special place in my heart for many years,” said Director Jaclyn Lechner in an email to SVI Media last week. As rehearsals have brought the story to life on the Afton stage, Lechner’s love for the show has only increased. Each member of the cast “brings dimension and emotion to their character in such a great way!”

Directors and cast members have been preparing the production since the end of August, dedicating one or more nights each week to rehearsal. Accompanied by a live bluegrass band, the music of this show brings the flavor of southern tradition to the stage, with tender heartache and playful energy throughout the score.

Lechner explained why “Bright Star” is one of her favorite musicals. “The music is so fun! The story is heartbreakingly beautiful and messy all at the same time. But isn’t that how life is? Fun, beautiful, messy, heartbreaking, even painful at times? I know my life has been.”

“This show is a bit different from the past shows we have done here at the Ford,” said Lechner. “It’s much more of an emotional rollercoaster.” One of Lechner’s goals with the theater program has been to bring shows of varied message and style to the Ford stage.

Folks who attend the show can expect moments in the story that may “bring you to tears, may bring laughter, or joy, or even heartache. That’s why I love theater. That’s why we put so much of ourselves as actors and directors into these musicals. The point of theater is to bring emotions and experiences to our audience. That is what we have created for you.”

Lechner expressed gratitude for the privilege of working with each individual involved in the production, from cast to crew and staging, as well as those who have helped with technology and marketing.

“Please come and witness the joy of redemption and restoration that is the message of this amazing story.” Purchase your tickets by visiting saltriverarts.com or purchase a ticket at the door.

Cast list: 

Alice – Tami Nielsen

Billy Cane – Kevin Baldwin

Daddy Cane – Eli Henderson

Margo – Megan Rose

Florence – Jessica Rasmussen

Edna – Brittany Andrus

Daryl – Dave Johnson

Lucy – Lauren Preston

Mamma Murphy – Corinne Storey

Daddy Murphy & Max – Jeffery Andrus

Mayor – Dan Scherbel

Jimmy – Daniel Lechner

Stanford – Kevin Stucki

Dr. Norquest – Chad Merritt

Government Clerk – Ashley Blain

Well-Dressed Woman – Autym Edwards

Ensemble- Darrian Edwards

Ensemble- Brooke Stucki

Director: Jaclyn Lechner

Music Director: Janet Erickson

Stage Manager: Renee Belnap

Lighting and Sound: Brandon Burnham