Bright Star
at Cardinal Gibbons High School

Reviewed on November 16, 2019

NameSchoolPublication/Broadcasts
North Broward Preparatory School
Florida Theater On Stage
J.P. Taravella High School
Florida Theater On Stage
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
Florida Theater On Stage
Cooper City High School
Florida Theater On Stage
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
Florida Theater On Stage
Somerset Academy Charter School
The Chief
The Sagemont School
American Heritage



Madeline Finkelman
North Broward Preparatory School

Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

A charming latticed barn silhouetted against the sunset-streaked Blue Ridge Mountains sets the tone as the musical mood of the south sweeps across the stage. With the strumming of both banjo strings and heart-strings, Cardinal Gibbons High School's bluegrass musical Bright Star beautifully tells a touching and tender tale, intertwining timelines in a sweet and sentimental spectacle.

Bright Star was written and composed by comedian Steve Martin and singer-songwriter Edie Brickell. The folk-style musical was inspired by the pair's Grammy-winning 2013 bluegrass album, "Love Has Come For You" and the true-story "Iron Mountain Baby". Bright Star premiered at San Diego's Old Globe Theatre in 2014. The musical opened in 2016 on Broadway at the Cort Theatre and ran for 139 performances. Set in rural North Carolina, the unconventional musical Bright Star tells the heart wrenching story of Alice Murphy, depicting events ranging from her reckless youth in the 1920's to her stern and steely adulthood in the 1940's. Her past and present lives weave together in a pain-tinged tapestry of love, fight, and redemption.

Leading the show with grace was Darby Silverman as the head-strong teen turned renowned magazine editor, Alice Murphy. Silverman exhibited a strong vocal quality which remained captivating and consistent through the show's entirety. From uptight professional to carefree 16 year old, Silverman tackled the demanding task of portraying two different ages and attitudes with commendable clarity.

Alice's first love Jimmy Ray Dobbs was played with sweet sincerity by Parker Greenblatt. Greenblatt established a believable character and created a genuine connection with Silverman. The two were best showcased together in their heartbreaking duet "I Had A Vision". Another notable performance was that of Cameron Relicke as the passionately persistent Billy Cane. Relicke ably brought the wannabe writer to life, portraying the youthful and wide-eyed optimistic character with great charisma. Relicke developed a tender relationship with Juliana Rios as Margo. Jimmy and Margo's playful, budding romance contrasted delightfully with the darker more developed relationship between Alice and Billy.

Bringing comedy and vibrance to the stage were Amber Arevalo and Wes Morby as the dynamic magazine office duo Lucy and Daryl. Arevalo excellently portrayed the sassy southern bell and showcased her great dance and vocal abilities in her song "Another Round". With tight harmonies and knee-slapping choreography, the show's ensemble enhanced the down-home charm of the show, helping to propel and tell the entrancing story of Bright Star. A standout among them, showcasing elegance and grace with every step, was Beatriz Arevalo.

From the denim overalls and period men's suits to the floral printed dresses and flower-adorned hats, the costumes beautifully fit the country feel and complemented each of the scenes in the show. The quick changes were seamlessly executed, most notably, Alice's onstage hair and costume change to her younger self. The onstage switch made for a lovely transition and was a unique and effective introduction to the flashback scenes in the production.

In the harmonious and homespun Bright Star, Cardinal Gibbons High School shined in its sweeping storytelling of broken-hearted characters made whole again by the power of time, forgiveness and love.


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Nicole Sugarman
J.P. Taravella High School

Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

The bluegrass train, fueled by the banjo's optimistic twang, the fiddle's flair, and the bellow of the bass, swiftly transports you to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. In Cardinal Gibbons High School's hopeful production of "Bright Star," the celestial stars speckling the southern night sky serve as the essential conductor. The luminous bodies, in conjunction with the musical brilliance, light up the tracks to follow one's own "Bright Star."

With a refreshing score by Edie Brickell and Steve Martin, "Bright Star" shares the captivating tale of Alice Murphy, a successful editor. However, a glimpse into her teenage years of the 1920s exposes a painful part of her past that she has been forced to internally confront for all this time. As the story unfolds, the missing puzzle pieces of her past begin to assemble before her eyes, revealing a restoration of love and a revelation that can only be described as a miracle.

Darby Silverman, playing Alice Murphy, captured her character's wide range of emotions with her chilling vocals and authentic reactions to the unimaginable circumstances. Silverman's depiction of Alice in alternating time frames, consisting of her teenage self and the accomplished woman she has grown to be two decades later, was commendable. Playing Jimmy Ray Dobbs, Alice's love interest, Parker Greenblatt effectively relayed the complex emotional journey of his character. Silverman and Greenblatt displayed nice chemistry throughout the production and skillfully adapted the maturity of their relationship as they aged.

Billy Cane, the eager young writer, was played by Cameron Relicke. Relicke displayed his character's optimistic outlook through his lively vocals and exuberant energy. Playing Margo, the bookstore owner dreaming of a romance with Billy, Juliana Rios captured the sweet nature and hopeful spirit of her character. Relicke and Rios exhibited lovely development of their relationship, especially in their charming duet "Always Will." Amber Arevalo, playing Alice's spunky coworker, showcased terrific dance abilities and consistent characterization throughout the musical. She led the massive number, "Another Round," with tremendous energy and bold vocal delivery.

While the orchestra did occasionally overpower the actors, the powerful melodies provided substantial energy that was expressed through their lively dancing and crisp harmonies. Although occasionally lacking facial expressions, the entire cast conveyed the folksy style of the score, creating a unique flavor of sound and accentuating the bluegrass allure of the storyline.

The quality technical elements aided the transitions of time throughout the story. The set, costume, and hair changes, specifically for Alice, were well-executed and did not distract. The set did occasionally obstruct the audience's view of the action onstage, most notably at the end of Act One on the train. The colorful lighting and the image of the moon helped to establish the mood shifts and created a visually appealing landscape.

Cardinal Gibbons' uplifting production of "Bright Star" explored the depth of heartbreaking loss, the power of redemption, and the pure dominance of love. The miraculous tale of Alice Murphy is sure to leave you with stars in your eyes, a pulsating rhythm in your feet, and a shimmering melody in your heart.


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Peri Harris
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

How will you tell your story? How will you communicate the intricate burdens, the light, and the legacy of your life? However it may be told, send it to the Ashford Southern Journal - it must be edited by the remarkable Alice Murphy first! In Cardinal Gibbons High School's gorgeous production of, "Bright Star" the cast and crew excellently "illuminated" the stage, and brought the little town of The Blue Ridge Mountains to life, with their folklore essence and colorful musical numbers.

Based on an inspiringly true story, "Bright Star", composed by Steven Martin and Edie Brickell, transformed Broadway into a big country rodeo in March of 2016. The show follows Alice Murphy, at two utterly vital points of her life; the past, and the present; where she hopes to learn about her untold future. When her baby is helplessly stripped away from her, Murphy makes revelations about her dark experiences, and must find a source of happiness again; through the art of writing.

Darby Silverman truly shined in her portrayal of the persistent and sophisticated journalist, Alice Murphy. Silverman undoubtedly conveyed the intense story, with her effortless vocals and clear emotional commitment. Silverman's distinguishable character choices - as she went back and forth between her barefoot and carefree flashbacks, to her present day solemnity - added to the professional quality production. Alongside Silverman with equally consistent emotions was Parker Greenblatt, playing the unconditionally devoted Jimmy Ray Dobbs. Greenblatt displayed undeniable affection for the story, and beautifully authenticated his relationship with Silverman as they mourned the loss of their child.

Cameron Relicke commanded the stage with poise and charm, in his depiction of the aspiring journalist, Billy Cane. Relicke's commendable vocals were showcased in his upbeat performance of the iconic song, "Bright Star", to which he excellently portrayed his character's desire to pursue his dreams and become a writer. Juliana Rios, Margo, effectively complemented Relicke with her adorable stage presence and effortless vocals. Relicke and Rios' youthful chemistry immensely guided this production filled with love, to which they nicely contrasted with Greenblatt and Silverman's intensity.

The ensemble members of the production did an outstanding job executing the difficult choreography, and excelled in the area of musical direction, exhibited by their gorgeously harmonious vocals. A standout performance was from Amber Arevalo, as the flirtatiously flamboyant journalist, Lucy. Arevalo's animated facial expressions and vivacious stage presence helped her to portray her sassy character. As Arevalo's counterpart, Daryl (also known by his pen name, Lillian Jones), Wes Morby nicely contrasted Arevalo's intensely high energy with his awkward mannerisms and a reserved attitude.

The technical aspects of the production were nicely executed, from the vibrant costume designs and seamless quick changes (Megan Price), to the flawlessly timed cues by the stage management team (Julia Nicolaus).

"What Could Be Better" than taking a look up at the stars - "So Familiar", so beautiful, so bold, illuminating the night sky. Comparable to such stars, the cast and crew of Cardinal Gibbons High School's incredible production stressed the importance of love in a person's life, as they performed, "Bright Star". Alice Murphy and her remarkably emotive narrative teaches audiences to find their self-worth, and live out the legacy of their own stories.


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Reese Abrahamoff
Cooper City High School

Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

"I had a vision" where writers and soldiers alike gathered to create an inspiring tale of hope and ambition. Transcending boundaries of time and space, Cardinal Gibbons High School opened our hearts to the power of love and its path to redemption in their touching production of "Bright Star."

Written by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, the musical originated from their Grammy-winning bluegrass album "Love Has Come for You," and made its world premiere at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego. After opening in 2014, "Bright Star" made its way to Broadway just two years later, receiving five Tony Award nominations including Best Musical. On a train headed towards the mountains of North Carolina, you'll find two tracks. One side follows the life of Alice Murphy, a professional, hardened editor of a southern literary magazine. The other follows a similar name, just younger and more adventurous. Telling the story of this transformation and beyond, "Bright Star" invites us to explore untaken paths and challenge the idea of love.

Leading lady Darby Silverman did a wonderful job as Alice Murphy. Silverman excelled in demonstrating the contrast between her past and present life while also showcasing a wide range of emotions amongst both personas. With effortless vocals, Silverman grounded her performance through numbers like "So Familiar/At Long Last," and "Please Don't Take Him," which certainly left a lasting impression. Alongside Silverman was Parker Greenblatt as Jimmy Ray Dobbs. Showing progression both vocally and emotionally, Greenblatt did a great job depicting his change from youth to maturity while also growing with Silverman in their own self-discovery.

Juliana Rios portrayed the role of Margo, the sweet and loving owner of the town's local bookstore. With consistent energy and a lovely voice, Rios captured the hearts of the audience as well as Cameron Relicke (Billy Cane). Both Rios and Relicke established genuine connections and allowed each other to shine both together and individually, whether it be through voice or stage presence alone. An additional standout was Amber Arevalo as the sassy and strong-willed secretary, Lucy. With bold choices and precise comedic timing, Arevalo continuously livened the stage, most notably in the show-stopping number "Another Round."

The ensemble as a whole was quite remarkable. From chilling harmonies to a constant southern dialect, the cast had clear motivations that never faltered throughout the production. While the cast overall had trouble staying together with choreography, Beatriz Arevalo showcased proper dance technique and told her own story through movement, which should certainly be recognized. The technical aspects of the production were executed very nicely. Stage Management allowed for a continuously flowing production with minimal faults and clean transitions. Costumes did an exceptional job differentiating the character changes as well as distinguishing the two time periods throughout the show.

Telling the true story of the life of Alice Murphy, Cardinal Gibbons High School's production of "Bright Star" transports us into the harsh reality of the early 1900s where they proved that with a little bit of optimism, the "Sun's Gonna Shine."


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Caroline Eaton
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

Through every wrong path taken, there will always be an unpaved road just dying to be walked upon, so why not be the one whose footprints are set in stone? Cardinal Gibbons High School's production of "Bright Star" shows audiences that you are the only one who can tell your story, and tell it truthfully.

Written by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, "Bright Star" uses the story-telling effects of folk music to fully take the show back in time to the hick town of Blue Ridge, North Carolina, when banjos and cowboy boots were a thing of the present. The powerful story follows a teenage girl, Alice Murphy, and her life following a teen pregnancy, heavily frowned upon by her small town community. Observing her life through her adolescent eyes versus her adult perception provides a one-way ticket into Alice Murphy's progression through life.

Playing the strong-willed and tenacious Alice Murphy, Darby Silverman embodied Murphy's extensive capacity for love and vitality. With the challenge presented to her to shift between two different points in Murphy's life, Silverman provided seamless transitions from her adult self back to her careless and free-spirited teenage years. Along with her brilliant take on the effervescent Alice Murphy, Silverman's magnificent vocals enveloped the theatre in her rendition of each folk-themed song, most outstanding in "Please Don't Take Him". Accompanying Silverman's compelling stage presence was the equally emotive Parker Greenblatt (Jimmy Ray Dobbs). Greenblatt ably supported his love interest, showing his complete devotion to Silverman throughout the production. Silverman and Greenblatt's believable chemistry made for a convincing and heart-throbbing performance, especially conveyed in their reunification melody, "I Had A Vision".

As the effervescent and light-hearted Billy Cane was Cameron Relicke. Relicke's sprightly personality captured his character's youthful persona. Relicke exhibited his impressive versatility on the stage, whether breaking it down on the dance floor or confessing his everlasting love through song to his long-time sweetheart, Margo, played by Juliana Rios. Rios and Relicke's buoyant and young relationship perfectly juxtaposed the fierce and adult love between Silverman and Greenblatt.

Also worth mentioning was the comedic duo consisting of Amber Arevalo and Wes Morby (Lucy and Daryl, respectively). Between the most melancholy instances, Arevalo and Morby appropriately provided moments of comedic relief, never failing to appreciate an occasion of potential laughter. In addition, the ensemble of townspeople added immense energy and liveliness to each scene and musical number in which they appeared, managing to exceptionally execute the difficult choreography and harmonies given. A most notable performance in the ensemble was Beatriz Arevalo, displaying stunning technique and illuminating the stage with each stride.

Technically, the production was executed with extreme efficiency and professionalism. The costumes team, Megan Price and Madison Mishkin, exemplified a clear understanding of the specific color scheme and 1920s-40s time period, exceptionally taking an ordinary stage and transforming it into a world of color.

As life moves on, one encounters just about everything: the troubled times along with the joyous moments. It is important to understand that all of those moments are what makes your story your own, and Cardinal Gibbons High School's cast and crew of "Bright Star" told every piece of this story as if it was their own.


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Daniel Calderon
Somerset Academy Charter School

Submitted for publication to The Chief

In the darkest night a star will shine brightly to light up the sky. Paralleling a tale of love and redemption, Cardinal Gibbons High School's production of "Bright Star" was a commendable rendition that will shine a light on this heartbreaking story.

Book and lyrics by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, "Bright Star" follows the life story of Alice Murphy during two different points in her life: as a bold, carefree young lady growing up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, and as a composed, renowned magazine editor in Asheville 22 years later. When the young writer Billy Cane comes into Asheville looking for a job as a writer, editor Alice Murphy's dark past begins to reemerge and their two stories intertwined together. Inspired by the bluegrass album "Love Has Come for You" and the folktale "Iron Mountain Baby", "Bright Star" premiered on Broadway in 2016, receiving five Tony nominations and winning the Drama Desk Award for outstanding music in 2016.

Leading the production as Alice Murphy was Darby Silverman, who deserves praise for her notable work as this character. With her excellent and specific physicality that distinguished her character from her youthful energetic self to the mature composed older persona. Silverman showed great emotional commitment adding to the believability of the character and heartbreak of her story. Silverman's stunning vocal performance and had a consistent dialect throughout the show, notably her performance in the song "Please Don't Take Him" was an excellent culmination of Silverman's vocals and emotional commitment to her role.

Playing Alice lover from the past Jimmy Ray Dobbs was Parker Greenblatt, whose characterization showed commendable skill as he encompassed the growth and sincerity of his character. Together Greenblatt and Silverman had beautiful chemistry and energy that came together in the song "I had a Vision" that authentically portrayed the joy and love of the characters. Playing the young aspiring writer Billy Cane was Cameron Relicke who embodied the innocence and determination of the character. Relicke deserves recognition for his high quality vocal and dance performance throughout the production.

As a cast the ensemble had high energy, although some members lacked facial expressions, together they had dynamic chemistry and vocally worked well sustaining difficult harmonies in the score. Standouts in the ensemble was Amber Arevalo who played Lucy, whose amazing delivery of one liners and comedic timing added comedic relief to the production. Notably Beatriz Arevalo demonstrated stellar dancing ability throughout the musical showing great technique and movement, even performing a number on pointe.

Technically the show did an admirable job throughout the production, running smoothly with the direction of the stage management team of Alyssa Chiarello, Julia Nicolaus, and Amanda Jones seemingless handling difficult set transitions and lighting cues. Although the makeup was not always consistent with the age, the costuming team did a great job choosing designs and costumes that brought out the characters personas.

The "Sun's Gonna Shine" on Cardinal Gibbon High School's beautiful rendition of "Bright Star".


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Eva Daskos
The Sagemont School

Submitted for publication to American Heritage

To understand your present, sometimes you must look to the past. In the mist of her most successful years, one respected publisher finds herself recounting her younger days in the rural south to remember the most defining moment in her life. This story of love lost and found is unveiled in Cardinal Gibbons High School's production of "Bright Star."

"Bright Star" created by Edie Brickell and Steve Martin tells the true story of a reconnection between a mother and her son after 23 years of separation. Set in the rural south, the storyline jumps between the 1920s and 1940s as heartbroken mother Alice narrates the story of her life and child as the smoky sounds of bluegrass and the joy of folk burst in the background. Opening in 2015 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. this show is praised for its music, receiving the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music as well as nominations for Best Original Score at the Tony Awards and Best Musical Theater album at the Grammys.

Darby Silverman as Alice faced the task of performing the same character 20 years apart with little off-stage time, even featuring an onstage costume change. With this challenge, Silverman showed her versatility as an actress and had a strong differentiation between the younger and mature Alice. Silverman used her character's southern accent naturally in dialogue, also translating the dialect beautifully into her strong vocals. Silverman used intense emotion and conviction throughout as Alice faced the loss of her child shown in the song "Please Don't Take Him."

Jimmy Ray Dobbs had fallen in love with Alice in their younger years, but when Alice got pregnant Jimmy's father stole the child to protect Jimmy's reputation. Parker Greenblatt playing Jimmy created electric chemistry with Silverman as both were overcome with their young love and grief of their lost child. After 23 years, it is discovered their child, Billy, is alive and reconnects with Alice when he submits a story to her publishing office. Where he is greeted by the hilarious editing duo of Daryl, played by Wes Morby, and Lucy, performed by Amber Arevalo. Cameron Relicke as Billy showcased his well-rounded performing skills, from his adorable heart-struck chemistry with Juliana Rios as Margo, animated dance moves, and deep understanding of vocal control and technique.

Giving the audience a warm, southern welcome was the ensemble of the Townspeople, whose energy never faltered and served the challenging score of this musical justice as their harmonies blended seamlessly into every song. Stage Management by Alyssa Chiarello & Company were constant in this productions smooth transitions, and paced ques effectively. Hair and Makeup by Lillian Krause & Company used mainly period appropriate design and outlined faces of actors well onstage.

The connection of family not only defines what you look like, but your life and values forever. With talented vocalists and an engaging ensemble, watch a story of hope and reunion unfold as Cardinal Gibbons High School performs the heartfelt story "Bright Star."


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