Steve Martin’s ‘Bright Star’ hits the CMC Spring Valley stage

Catch the final days of Sopris Theatre Company’s musical

An entertaining Broadway musical created by one of comedy’s biggest names has made its way to Colorado Mountain College’s New Space Theatre, with shows through April 20.

“Bright Star,” a Tony-nominated show written by Steve Martin and 1980s pop star Edie Brickell, is Sopris Theatre Company’s newest production, with a live band and an ensemble cast of more than a dozen local actors and performers, including both staff and graduates of CMC’s theater program.

Set in the mountains of North Carolina in World War II, with flashbacks to the 1920s, “Bright Star” features bluegrass-inspired songs and an inspiring story of forgiveness, resolve and reconciliation.

Director Brad Moore, Sopris Theatre Company’s artistic producer, said the show stems out of songs first heard on Martin and Brickell’s Grammy-winning 2013 album, “Love Has Come for You,” as well as an old folk tale with its roots in the Asheville area.

“It’s a really moving story told with a lot of heart,” Moore explained. “It’s not exactly a comedy, and not a tragedy, but it’s really fun.”

“Bright Star” features a cast of 14, with nearly everyone on stage at the same time throughout the show. Notable performers include CMC’s Paige Ulmer as Alice Murphy, a literary editor who meets a soldier and causes her to re-examine her past and a child she once lost. Also featured are CMC’s Courtney Williams, plus Josh Adamson and Johnny Berry in other lead roles. Musical direction is by Dory Light with choreography by Bostyn Elswick.

To help create more opportunities for regional theater fans to experience the show, Moore says the performance on April 18 will be performed as a ticketed livestream event, with cameras capturing the action live from the stage. Online viewers will be able to buy single access tickets or can also set up a viewing party. The performance’s post-show conversation with the cast and audience will also be included.

“Bright Star” has been running since April 4; remaining performances are on April 18 and 19 at 7 p.m. and April 20 at 2 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults and $15 for seniors, students, CMC faculty and staff.

New Space Theatre is located at CMC’s Spring Valley campus, at 3000 County Road 114 in Glenwood Springs.

Tickets and more information on the show are available by calling 970-947-8177, visiting CMC Theatre or emailing ticket sales.