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Black Hills State University Music Department and the Matthews Opera House & Arts Center announce auditions for Bright Star, a bluegrass musical written and composed by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. Auditions are open to both student and community actors and musicians and will be held at Meier Hall (BHSU) on Monday and Thursday, Dec. 16 and 19 from 5 to 8 p.m.
This special presentation is a collaborative effort between Matthews Opera House and BHSU Music Department, with both organizations seeking to equip students with crucial educational skills and real-world experience as well as create a connected body of student and community performers
Bright Star will be presented at the Matthews Opera House February 21-23, 2020.
Plot
Set in the 1920’s and 40’s against the rich backdrop of the American South, Bright Star is the story of Alice Murphey, presented at two different points in her life. First, as a carefree young girl hopelessly in love with the mayor’s son and, later, as a successful magazine editor with a mysterious connection to a young man named Billy. As star-crossed teenagers, Alice and small town heart-throb Jimmy Ray fell in love and their relationship resulted in a pregnancy that threatened the ambitions of Jimmy Ray’s father. The couple’s infant son was whisked away and a string of lies unraveled their happy ending before it could even begin. Years later, now a successful literary editor, Alice meets a promising young writer named Billy who awakens her longing for the son she lost. Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past and unlocks a secret that will change both of their lives forever. With beautiful melodies and powerfully moving characters, Bright Star is an epic tale inspired by true events.
Roles and Audition Info
Roles are available for ten feature characters plus ensemble. Roles are open to both male and female performers in a variety of ages from fifth grade through adult. Audition pieces can be obtained in advance at the Matthews Opera House gallery, located at 612 Main Street, or from Dr. Nancy Roberts, Meier Hall, BHSU. Singers are welcome to prepare a piece of music of their choosing. Auditions can be heard by appointment to accommodate schedule conflicts with the audition times/dates. To schedule an outside audition, please contact Dr. Jonathan Nero at [email protected].
Musician Auditions
Instrumental roles are also available for piano, keyboard, guitar, mandolin, banjo, violin, upright bass, cello and percussion. Interested musicians should contact Dr. David Berberick at [email protected] or 605.642.6818.
