Bright Star is dramatic tale of lost love set in the American South in the 1920s and ‘40s. The story delves into pain and tragedy, yet it’s also a bright journey of passion, hope and determination.

Told through storytelling musicians, Bright Star is written and composed by Hollywood legend Steve Martin, with Edie Brickell creating the score. It’s also the first musical for independent theatre company Sport for Jove, though you’d never guess it.

The show opens with “If You Knew My Story,” sung by Hannah McInerney, whose musical credits include Rent and touring nationally and internationally as a backing vocalist with Australian singer (and sister) Meg Mac. Her soulful voice gives the lyrics pathos and depth, introducing us to Alice Murphy with striking emotional weight. It’s a powerful entry into the expansive musical.

The Tony-nominated score features rich songs from intimate melodies to ensemble numbers that makes you want to jump up and dance. Bluegrass roots run deep, blending African American blues and Scottish-Irish folk. The band isn’t hidden away—the band is the cast. Every performer sang, danced and played an instrument, from classical piano and violin to banjo and accordion. Victoria Falconer, known for her fearless cabaret work (Smashed: The Nightcap), brings that same vitality as Music Supervisor, while Musical Director Alec Steedman leads the cast of actor-musicians with precision and warmth. Together, they make Bright Star’s score soar.

Bright Star shifts between Alice’s as a spirited teenager in love and her present-day life as a literary agent at The Asheville SouthernJournal. At first, the generational narrative structure is a little hard to follow, especially as there is no visual change to indicate the two timelines, whereas in other productions, Alice is portrayed by two actors.

Kaya Bryne plays Jimmy Ray, Alice’s love, and the two are beautifully paired. Bryne mirror’s McInerney’s ability to sing with raw emotion especially in “Heartbreaker”, a devasting tearjerker in Act Two. By this stage, co-directors Miranda Middleton and Damien Ryan have woven the characters into layered multi-dimensional being. There’s a humanity to this show that ensures it’s not just the story or songs that move us, but the cast’s ability to evoke empathy.

Act One ends with shocking, heinous act—the kind that had my companion and I exchanging wide-eyed looks, whispering “did we really just see that?”

There’s genuine chemistry and playfulness between Alice and Jimmy Ray. Their energy and charm carry the romance, perhaps heightened by the fact the melodrama is inspired by a true story. Their youthful love brimming with hope and belief for a beautiful future. To see it stripped away is devastating, and the emotional response of the audience only deepens Brickell’s ballads cut straight to the gut.

Audiences may remember Cameron Bajraktarevic-Hayward from Ghost Quartet, where his multi-instrumental and vocal talent stood out in an intimate, haunting work. In Bright Star, he channels that artistry into the heartfelt role of Billy Cane. Genevieve Goldman shines as Margot, an audience favourite, wearing her heart openly while Billy remains oblivious, a frustration felt by all. Deirdre Khoo also delights as Lucy, lighting up the comedic bar scene singing “Another Round” alongside Bajraktarevic-Hayward.

The cast also features Katrina Retallick (Mama Murphy), Rupert Reid (Daddy Murphy), Molly Margaret Stewart (Edna), Olivia Tajer (Florence), Jack Green (Daddy Cane), and Felix Staas (Max). Joining them are musicians Alec Steedman, James Weaver, Eric Hutchens, Dom Cabusi, Jason Smith and Jarrad Payne.

Isabel Hudson’s stage evokes the rustic world of bluegrass with wild weeds scattered across the stage. Subtle shifts, a letter box, a suitcase, signal new locations. James Wallis’ atmospheric lighting and Lily Mateljan’s authentic costumes complete the world.

There were tears, laughter, moments of shock and sheer elation. With its sweeping score, exceptional cast and harrowing story, Bright Star is a story that lingers, and one well worth seeing.

5 stars.

Run time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (including interval)

Bright Star is playing at Hayes Theatre Co, Sydney until 5 October 2025

Presented by Sport for Jove in association with Hayes Theatre Co. For tickets visit Hayes Theatre Co