Month: June 2025

The outstanding reviews for Bright Star keep rolling in. The Press Telegram and Grunion Gazette have chimed in with another wonderful write-up about this endearing and heartfelt musical, calling it “truly something to behold” and “as satisfying as grandma’s Sunday supper”.

Excerpts below, and please read the full review online.

“Wittenmeier delivers a performance that’s both powerful and deeply personal — her voice rings out with hope and heartbreak, and her connection to Alice’s journey is nothing short of magnetic. Eric Dobson, as Jimmy Ray Dobbs, brings a boyish sincerity that plays beautifully against Wittenmeier’s gravitas. Rosie Quintana charms as Margo, and Malakai Howard as Billy brings a fresh energy and chemistry that can’t be beat.

Together, they lead an ensemble whose harmonies and energy make the whole show hum. Every supporting player pulls their weight, creating a sense of community on stage that feels as real as any Southern town. The music, performed live, is the heartbeat of the show, and the cast’s vocal prowess is truly something to behold — each number lands with emotional punch and musical precision.”

— Sean McMullen, The Grunion and Press Telegram

Another glowing review of Bright Star – this time from the Long Beach Post. Read a few excerpts below, and hop on over to the Long Beach Post to read the full review.

“Both the music and vocals are crisp, engaging, and definitely a strong feature of “Bright Star.” Directed and choreographed by Megan O’Toole, the musical overall is a satisfying and heart-tugging experience, reminding us of the power of the stories we tell — and those we don’t.”

“Much of the story’s deep emotion is conveyed through the musical’s nearly two dozen songs, with live music on stage (directed by Curtis Heard) featuring musicians on piano, banjo, bass, drums, cello, fiddle, viola and guitar performing riveting and catchy bluegrass tunes, with some solos.”

— Long Beach Post

A superb review of Bright Star from Chris Daniels at The Show Report. Below are some excerpts from the review, but please read the entire review online.

“an intimate southern epic, mired in sorrow and tragedy, but ultimately enveloped in hope, heart, mirth and love. An excellent performance in every way.”

“BRIGHT STAR opened on Friday evening, bringing a beguiling tale of love and redemption to Landmark’s spring theater season in their most enchanting musical to date.”

“a top-notch cast and crew, making the production feel much larger than its footprint.”

“Once the narrative reaches the second act, musical comedy heaven is upon us, and the tidy ending will leave you teary-eyed with a spring in your heart.”

“Ms. Wittenmeier proves to be a real discovery with her appealing authenticity. She pivots convincingly between spirited young woman and hardened cynic, her honeyed voice sitting comfortably in the seductive twang of country, soaking into all the nooks and crannies the genre asks it to. She can either soar or sear at will, radiating with passion, or the wistful regret of a heart long broken and slow to heal.”

“The production also boasts an excellent ensemble cast with harmonious powerhouse voices and energetic dance moves.”

“As a whole, the production gleams”

“The endearingly charming Mr. Howard as Billy makes for a very appealing male ingenue — radiating youthful ambition and a nice unvarnished innocence that charms all ages. He also has great chemistry with the sweet-faced Ms. Quintana as Margo, childhood pal who secretly pines for him.”

“Mr. Dysart’s love-to-loath-him villainy of Mayor Dobbs is pure spine-chilling.”

— Chris Daniels, The Show Report