NOTES FROM THE DIRECTOR:
One year ago, I would never have imagined that this spring, we would be unable to do a musical.
Six months ago, I would never have imagined that this spring, we would be able to do a musical.
But as said in the title song, Bright Star: “You never know what life will bring, only what you bring to life.” What truth there is in that. The cast and staff of Bright Star brought unshakable hope, unwavering determination, and endless creativity to every part of this process. From virtual auditions, to distanced, masked, and nearly individual rehearsals, to eventual group rehearsals embracing plexiglass barriers, abstract staging and choreography, and much camera trickery, we have accomplished what seemed at times, nearly impossible. It was not easy, but at the same time, it was exciting to figure out how to meet the challenges of mounting a musical with so many restrictions upon us. Above all, it was a unique opportunity for all of us to work in both live theatre and film for a while, an intersection of Broadway and Hollywood that in some ways, for me personally, was a welcome shakeup to what can sometimes seem like an all too normal routine of directing.
We were all forced to work out of the box this year and I am thankful for the trust and support of our cast and crew’s families and for the support from South’s administration, and particularly for the school’s support staff who helped in unusual ways; from Debby Polhemus running off all the cast’s music at the last minute, and her patience with me as I navigated the digital format, to Brody Carpenter physically clearing a mountain of furniture from the stage so I could start my rehearsals. This kind of help, which often goes uncredited, was so appreciated and represents the kind of support our musicals always receive from South’s family, for which I am very grateful.
While the pandemic has hurt each of us in ways that are both common to all and also extremely personal and individual, I worry most about our children, and what they have lost, suffered, and had to sacrifice this past year and how it has taken its toll on their physical and mental health. At the moment I am writing this, I am encouraged to hear the forecast looks better, and for the first time, the end of this dark ordeal actually feels within reach. I hope that the experience of Bright Star gave something positive to everyone involved, and helped in some small way to carry us through the difficult winter. I also hope you who are watching are doing so on a lovely spring day, and that the forecast continues to call for better days ahead. In the meantime, we are proud to bring you a musical that affirms life, hope, and healing, the perfect message for us while we wait.
Love, let me lift this veil of darkness
Love let me see my way back to you
My way... back to you.
Enjoy the show,
Kristine Angona Perry
