Theatre TCU’s upcoming musical tells the story of redemption and reconciliation. “Bright Star,” written by award-winning actor Steve Martin, is the department’s last show of the fall semester. With the help of Southern accents and bluegrass music, the cast is transported to a rural town in North Carolina just after World War II. Alice Murphy is a guarded journalist searching for the child she gave up for adoption. Although primarily set in 1946, the story flashbacks to the 1920’s, expanding on Alice’s life and how she went from spunky and flirtatious, to reserved and uptight.

Emery Gray, a junior musical theatre major, plays the role of Alice. Grey said she enjoys switching back and forth between young and old Alice. She added that Alice Murphy was one of her dream roles, but she always felt like it was out of reach. Gray said this is one of the most “vocally demanding” roles she’s ever had, but she has enjoyed getting to know her character and playing around with a “country twang.” Krista Scott, director of the musical, described the performance as heartbreaking and uplifting. The audience is going to “weep, laugh and want to get up and dance.” Scott said everyone who comes to the show is going to be “really impressed” by the student actors and what they are capable of on stage.

She said the show is just as impressive as a TCU football game. Because of their “evocative” talent, the theatre professor said she is most excited to see how the students bring the show to life. “Bright Star” is scheduled to open at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 12 in Jerita Foley Buschman Theatre on TCU’s campus. Additional performances are set for Nov. 13-17. Tickets are on sale now.