School of Theatre and Dance presents ‘Bright Star’
East Carolina University and Loessin Playhouse will present “Bright Star” from Nov. 16-20.
“Bright Star” is the story of one woman at two different points in her life: the first, when she is a wild young thing growing up barefoot and carefree in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina; the second, when she is a well-to-do magazine editor in Asheville, 22 years later. Her story is inevitably woven with that of an idealistic young man named Billy, with whom she shares a mysterious connection.
“The show is beautifully written; the music is moving; the plot is engaging and fun! There is a good mix of comedy and tragedy; that creates such an enthralling story,” ECU junior Noelle Sylvia said.
East Carolina University and Loessin Playhouse will present “Bright Star” beginning Nov. 16. (ECU photo by Cliff Hollis)
The professional acting major plays Lucy Grant in the production.
“I adore my character and have the most fun bringing her to life onstage,” Sylvia said. “Myself as well as my castmates have put in a great deal of time during rehearsals and outside of them to get to know our characters and the story, and I’m incredibly proud to be a part of such a meaningful show, with such a hardworking cast and crew.”
Sylvia believes in taking risks and accepting challenges. “This character is unlike any I’ve had the privilege to play before,” she said. “It’s really forced me to reach way outside the box and my comfort zone. I think the best way to improve your craft is to do things you wouldn’t always expect from yourself.”
A production of such a large size and value does not come together overnight. It takes the combination of talented performers and directors, combined with excellent technicians and crew, Sylvia said.
“Tech week is when we bring all the separate aspects like lighting, sound, set and more all together to create the final product,” she said. “Everyone works incredibly hard during the whole process, but the last two weeks are when we finally all come together and put all the separate parts into one masterpiece.”
Audiences should expect to be engaged with this performance, as the School of Theatre and Dance works diligently to create performances audiences will walk away appreciating. Bright Star is no different.
“This show is something you’ll want to see more than once,” said Sylvia.
All performances have meaning behind them. “I want audiences to take away from the story that there is no perfect journey or specific way life should be lived,” she said. “Life is full of discoveries, and that is what makes it so special! I just want the audience to be reminded of the beauty of life and how everything happens for a reason.”
Bright Star will run from Nov. 16-20 in McGinnis Theatre. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the School of Theatre and Dance website.
“Bright Star” is the story of one woman at two different points in her life.