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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

The Long Beach Post has published its feature story for Theater happenings in the month of June and has highlighted Landmark’s production of Bright Star. After a tremendous opening night, Landmark is poised for a smash hit run.

Columnist Willie Plaschke has penned a nice feature article about Bright Star and the close of Landmark’s season in The Press Telegram and Grunion Gazette.

Read the full feature here and excerpts below.

The Long Beach Landmark Theatre Company will close its season on a stunning note with “Bright Star” — the Tony-nominated musical from Steve Martin and Edie Brickell.

Under the direction of Megan O’Toole and with musical direction by Curtis Heard, Landmark’s staging features an ensemble cast and live on-stage musicians playing banjo, fiddle, guitar, and piano, living up to the show’s Appalachian-inspired heart.

“This production continues our season-long exploration of how time shapes identity and relationships,” said O’Toole. “’Bright Star’ reminds us that healing often lies in the spaces between past and present.”

“People seem to really be excited about Steve Martin making another splash in Long Beach,” notes producer Jay Dysart. “Many know him as a brilliant comedian, but ‘Bright Star’ showcases his exceptional gift for storytelling through music.”

While “joy and sorrow never last” (as Alice Murphy sings at the top of the show), those vital emotions can still be captured for an evening of heartfelt theater in our own backyard.

The Long Beach Post highlights Landmark’s production of Bright Star for this week. Read the full article on the Long Beach Post

From the article:

Landmark’s signature commitment to musical excellence is in full effect with this production, featuring a strong ensemble cast and soaring vocals alongside a unique on-stage bluegrass-inspired orchestra. The immersive score perfectly captures the spirit of the American South inside the magnificent and historic sanctuary of the First Congregational Church of Long Beach.

Don’t miss this enchanting theatrical experience in the heart of Downtown Long Beach, running from May 30 through June 15. With ticket prices ranging from $35 to $65, “Bright Star” promises to be an unforgettable evening of story, music, and magic that will leave audiences uplifted and inspired.

Landmark has released another exclusive Music Video from Bright Star – exclusively for donors to Landmark’s “Watch Landmark” video service. This is Alice Murphy and Jimmy Ray Dobbs duet “I Had a Vision”, sung by Brooke Wittenmeier and Eric Dobson, and is part of a series of studio music videos that will be made available on Watch Landmark.

Landmark has released another exclusive Music Video from Bright Star – exclusively for donors to Landmark’s “Watch Landmark” video service. This is Margo and Billy’s duet “Always Will”, sung by Rosie Quintana and Malakai Howard, and is part of a series of studio music videos that will be made available on Watch Landmark.

A wonderful feature piece about Landmark’s forthcoming main stage production of Bright Star has been published in the Long Beach Post. Below are a few excerpts, and please read the full article online.

The Long Beach Landmark Theatre Company is gearing up to stage “Bright Star” with a full orchestra and live musicians performing alongside the actors beginning May 30 at the First Congregational Church of Long Beach.

The Landmark describes the musical as having a “rich, authentic bluegrass score” featuring fiddle, guitar, piano and banjo — a quintessential American instrument, with roots in stringed African instruments replicated by enslaved peoples in the South. The banjo and ballad singing are still integral to the southern Appalachian region of North Carolina, where the play is set.

– Anita Hill, Long Beach Post

Wittenmeier joins an impressive cast of 20, directed by Megan O’Toole, in bringing to life this “compelling story of love, loss and redemption,” as the Landmark describes it.

“’Bright Star’ shows us how the past and present interweave to shape who we become,” says O’Toole

Landmark has released the first exclusive Music Video from Bright Star – exclusively for donors to Landmark’s “Watch Landmark” video service. This is Alice Murphy’s song “If You Knew My Story”, sung by Brooke Wittenmeier, and is the first of a series of studio music videos that will be made available on Watch Landmark.