14 Sep An Interview with BRIGHT STAR Director Julie Ewing
During rehearsals of Bright Star, we caught up with director Julie Ewing to learn more about the production, why she chose it, and her process for bringing it to life! Want to hear more? Watch this video featuring more from Julie and a clip from rehearsals.
Director of Bright Star, Julie Ewing. Photo: Manon Halliburton
Q: What led you to submit this show?
I was able to see Bright Star during its Broadway run. I am a huge bluegrass fan and so that is what initially drew me to see the show. After seeing it, the music and message stayed with me. As a mother, it struck such a chord. I knew I wanted to direct it and, in particular, on the intimate OCTA stage. I wanted to stage it like an oral story being told over and over to family and friends out playing music on the back porch on a Sunday evening.
Edie Brickell and Steve Martin perform on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, May 6, 2013. Photo: Lloyd Bishop/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank. Found here.
Q: Is there anything about the history of the show (playwrights, past productions, etc.) you’d like to share?
In 2013, Steve Martin and Edie Brickell collaborated on the bluegrass album Love Has Come For You. One of the songs on the Grammy-winning album was inspired by the true-life story of the Iron Mountain Baby. The story also stuck with Steve and Edie and so Bright Star came to be.
Q: What is one of the biggest challenges in producing this particular show and how are you overcoming it?
A: The ensemble acts like a Greek Chorus. In order for that to happen, they have to remain on stage most of the time. Because of the size of the OCTA stage, it is a fun puzzle to find ways to enhance and not distract the audience. We also jump back and forth in time. And because everyone in the ensemble also plays a character within the show, we are working with costume pieces and easy set changes to help the audience move back and forth in time and follow the various story lines.
Q: Without any spoiler alerts, what is it that you are most looking forward to with this show?
An example of the ensemble of Bright Star as a “Greek chorus” supporting lead actress, Ashton Botts. Photo: Shelly Stewart Banks.
A: I can honestly say this is the first show I’ve directed where the first read through ended with tears and hugs. It is a powerful story, told by some of Kansas City’s finest actors and I believe our audience will be thinking on this one long past the final curtain. Also, you are going to LOVE our pit orchestra. Not only are they an imperative part of our staging, they have taken on the persona of the Iron Mountain Pickers and will be performing live for our pre-show every night!
Q: If you know, has this show been done in the Kansas City area before?
A: To my knowledge this is the first time it has been produced outside of academia in the greater Kansas City area. I’m so excited for OCTA to host the Kansas City community theatre premiere.
Bright Star’s pit orchestra/bluegrass band, The Iron Mountain Pickers. Photo: Shelly Stewart Banks.
Q: Anything else you’d like us or our audience to know?
Be prepared for all the feels! Because this stellar company is ready to treat you to something special!
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Bright Star runs through September 15 and is currently sold out for its final two performances. If you want to try for a ticket, arrive an hour before curtain to sign up for the waitlist at the box office. For links to other resources about this production, keep reading/scrolling!
More about the show:
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