VIDEO: Steve Martin, Edie Brickell Talk Collaborating on Music for BRIGHT STAR

By: Oct. 26, 2015
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In a new interview with USA Today, Steve Martin (book and music) and Edie Brickell (lyrics and music) discuss their upcoming album "So Familiar", which will be featured in the duo's new musical BRIGHT STAR, beginning performances at Washington's Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 2nd before heading to Broadway in March. The musical had its world premiere at San Diego's Old Globe in 2014.

"Edie and I both love musicals," shares Martin, revealing that The Music Man and several Rodgers and Hammerstein classics are among his favorites. Brickell cites the film adaptation of "The Sound of Music", starring Julie Andrews as one of her first musical theater experiences. "I used to love to sing as I walked, so when I saw her (as Maria) running through those mountains, singing...I loved her performance, and that character -- how she brought love into a house."

Of their new project BRIGHT STAR, Martin jokes, "It's an American story; it involves trains." He adds, "But it really has a story to tell -- with a beginning, a middle and an end."

Brickell feels lucky to be working with Martin, sharing, "He encourages me -- he brings out my best. That's about as exciting as it gets."

Inspired by a true event, the wholly original new musical BRIGHT STAR tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and 40s. When successful literary editor Alice Murphy meets an ambitious young soldier just home from World War II, their connection inspires Alice to confront her past. Together they discover a stunning secret with the power to transform their lives.

With music and book by Steve Martin and music and lyrics byEdie Brickell, BRIGHT STAR features direction by Walter Bobbie, choreography by Josh Rhodes, scenic design byEugene Lee, costume design by Jane Greenwood, lighting design by Japhy Weideman, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, musical supervision by Peter Asher, musical direction and vocal arrangements by Rob Berman, and orchestrations by August Eriksmoen. BRIGHT STAR was developed and had its world premiere at The Old Globe in San Diego (Barry Edelstein, Artistic Director; Michael G. Murphy, Managing Director).



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