My wife and I saw “Bright Star” yesterday. We loved it. You will too, and I’ll tell you why.
On the surface, it’s a typical musical, bustling with subplots about young love, the pains and joys of family relations, and Southern gothic melodrama, all peppered with timely comic relief. But it’s really about writing, editing, and language itself. Steve Martin (yes, that Steve Martin) wrote the book, and in addition to his accomplishments as an actor, director, and musician, is a gifted writer. He knows what it’s like to be rejected, to hang in there, and finally get that first manuscript published.
Billy Cane, just returned to Zebulon, North Carolina after serving in WWII, has a bad case of the writing bug. It’s so bad, he’s willing to leave his beloved home town and move to Asheville to endure the rigors of pleasing a demanding editor and her good cop/bad cop assistants. All writers will appreciate young Billy’s exchanges with his editor, who’s brutally honest with what she sees as a promising talent. At one point, she shoves a manuscript back at him as if it’s toxic, then lets another dangle in her fingers and says, “This may be acceptable if you delete 300 words.” Poor Billy scans a few pages, scratches his head, and replies, “Could you tell me WHICH 300?”
There are many references to the Southern writing tradition. Steve Martin, who was born in Texas, knows a thing or two about language’s ability to uplift, to wound, and to connect with others, familiar and rich themes often explored in Southern literature. This musical is a celebration of faith in one’s family, in one’s ability to persevere, and to hope. If you get the chance, don’t miss this one. It’s a winner.
M.C. Tuggle, Writer 
Thanks for the recommend–I watch all things Steve Martin, and saw him in his Netflix show with Martin Short, and he mentioned being an author.
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a talent. I’m astounded at the variety of things he’s done.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, goody! Steve Martin is a genius, and a generous-hearted one at that. SO looking forward to seeing Bright Star!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan,
Bring tissues. I blubbered like a baby almost the entire second act.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Mike. I love Steve Martin, and this movie sounds terrific.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jennie,
He’s an amazing talent. This project is a nod to optimism our present age desperately needs.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Indeed!
LikeLiked by 2 people
The curtain dropped and Bright Star seems to have ended it’s national tour there on July 1. Thanks for the review so I can watch for a future engagement.
LikeLiked by 2 people
DougInNC,
I wouldn’t say this about many Broadway shows, but this one is worth traveling to see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the recommendation. I love Steve Martin and would love to see a movie he wrote. And a movie about writing, well! I can’t find the movie around here. I may need to keep searching.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Laurie,
It’s presently a musical, but wow! what a movie it would make! Let’s hope!
LikeLiked by 2 people
D’oh! I need to read more closely!!! Sorry!
LikeLiked by 1 person