Peck School of the Arts fall theater season begins this Wednesday with the opening of “Bright Star,” a tale of love and redemption from the minds of Edie Brickell and Steve Martin.
The production is directed by Raeleen McMillion (Teaching Faculty II, Voice, Speech, and Dialects) who has many strong connections to the show.
Life in Appalachia
“Bright Star” is set in mid-20th century North Carolina through the Appalachian mountains, not too far from where McMillion was raised. Born into a family of strong storytellers, music lovers, and Steve Martin fans, McMillion still travels through the Appalachian mountains to stay connected with her roots.
Given her understanding of life in Appalachia, McMillion had colleagues suggest she direct “Bright Star,” a role she stepped into graciously.
“Appalachia is such a near and dear place to me and a beautiful part of this country,” said McMillion. “I’m so glad that [the theater department] thought this play was a good fit… I’m already a bit sad it will be over in a few weeks.”
An important aspect of “Bright Star” is its Tony-nominated bluegrass-centric score. For PSOA’s production, local Milwaukee duo Frogwater were brought in to play music on stage. They are joined by UWM student Mariah Kiefer, a talented fingerstyle guitar player who also happens to be a huge fan of Frogwater.
“They are very dear friends, but I also have a very deep respect for them,” said McMillion, who has collaborated with the duo in the past. “Bluegrass and folk music feels simple but those melodies set with strategic harmony played by the right musicians is truly excellent.”
McMillion’s diverse array of knowledge related to all things “Bright Star” is not lost on the cast, who have been gracious to be under her guidance.
“It made me more excited to do the piece knowing that [Raeleen] is so passionate about the work we’re doing,” said Sanaa Harper (Sophomore, Theatre Production BFA). “It just makes us want to do better and make sure we get the point across.”
The real stars
Throughout the production, McMillion never lost appreciation for the real stars: her students.
“It’s so hard to even express the love I have for these students,” said McMillion. “They have worked so hard and it’s started from day one.”
On the first day of rehearsals, McMillion decided against a typical table read. Instead, she asked the cast to bring instruments and host a jam session. Students then brought guitars, ukeleles, a cajón, an autoharp, and more embracing everyones shared love of music.
“It was pretty amazing hearing all the different musical elements,” said Derrick Sandders (Sophomore, Musical Theatre BFA). “It was like we were in our own little world there… I feel like it built the foundation for our bond.”
For students like Sandders, this is their first theater production with UWM. For others, it is the beginning of their senior season. The wide range of ages and experience going into this show allows upperclassmen, such as Olivia Coleman (Junior, Musical Theatre BFA), to step into leadership roles.
“Last year, when I was a sophomore, it meant a lot to have juniors and seniors talk to me and try to tell me how their experience went,” said Coleman. “I try to do the same for sophomores this year and work to make it a safe environment for them.”
What to expect
Following months of preparations, the cast and crew of “Bright Star” are excited for five unforgettable performances.
“I hope that the time, love, and care we’ve put into this piece is really evident,” said Maya Schmitz (Senior, Musical Theatre BFA). “I hope everyone can see the love we’ve got for each other and the sense of community and family we’ve built.”
This uplifting yet heart-rending story provides a one-of-a-kind theater experience that audiences will not want to miss.
“I hope that the audience can walk away going ‘I laughed, I cried, and I’m humming the tunes,’” said McMillion. “The conversations on the way home will be about how these young artists are going to be the people they want to see on stages down the road.”
“Bright Star” opens on Oct. 9, 2024, and runs through Oct. 13, 2024, at the Mainstage Theatre. For more information and tickets, visit the PSOA events calendar.
Story by Jason McCullum ’25