Rousing singing and a heartfelt story mark the Lehigh Valley premiere of the Steve Martin and Edie Brickell musical "Bright Star" at Pennsylvania Playhouse, through June 19.
Set in the American South and moving back and forth in time between the 1920s and 1940s, "Bright Star" ties together two stories that have an unexpected connection.
The show features a pleasing folk and bluegrass score by comedian Martin and singer/songwriter Brickell.
Gabrielle Hondorp has a powerful voice as editor Alice Murphy and is adept as both a joyous and headstrong 16-year-old and as a somber and jaded adult 20 years later. She opens the show with an impassioned performance of "If You Knew My Story."
A highlight of the show is her lovely delivery of "So Familiar/At Long Last" late in the second act.
Stephen Krocks is charming and brings a sincerity as well as a country twang to the role of Alices boyfriend Jimmy Ray Dobbs. A high point is Krocks boot stomping dancing in the playful "Whoa, Mama."
Both Hondrop and Krocks are engaging in their duets, including the sweet "I Cant Wait" and the crushing "I Had a Vision."
Chris DImperio is likable and earnest as Billy Cane, a young writer trying to get his stories published in the magazine Alice edits in the 1940s. He displays a youthful eagerness in the hopeful title song.
Emily Barrett is sweetly appealing as Margo, the young girl carrying an unrequited torch for Billy. The two are thoroughly enjoyable on the duet "Always Will."
Adding a touch of comedy relief as Alices co-workers are Monica DImperio as Lucy and Andrew Maldonado as Daryl. DImperio is especially fun, singing and dancing in the light-hearted "Another Round."
Bob Calder is brash and overbearing as Jimmy Rays father Mayor Dobbs. He puts a lot of emotion into his justification song "A Mans Gotta Do."
As Alices controlling father Mike Daniels conveys a Bible-thumping conviction in "Firmer Hand/Do Right," while Beth Sucro as Alices mother shows a little more sympathy, especially in the devastating "Please Dont Take Him."
There are short dance interludes during many scene changes entertainingly done by dancers Alyssa Steiner and Jaedon Muhl. Muhl also did the country-flavored choreography.
Director Brian Houp is making a spirited directorial debut with this show. Music direction is by Lynn Flickinger.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. June 10-11 and 17-18. and 6 p.m. June 12 and 19 at the playhouse at 390 Illicks Mill Rd., Bethlehem.
Masks are optional.
Tickets are $25 for adults; $22 for seniors and $15 for students,
For information call 610-865-6665, or go to www.paplayhouse.org.