Good news. “Bright Star,” the Steve Martin-Edie Brickell musical is headed for a run this winter at the Kennedy Center. The musical is set for December 2nd- January 10, 2016. If the show hits, Broadway will be the next logical move for Tony season.
Walter Bobbie, a Broadway favorite, will direct the show. “Bright Star” had a great run in San Diego last year, with Peter Asher producing the music. Steve, of course, everyone knows very well. Edie is also Mrs. Paul Simon. But before that successful run, Brickell was an estimable pop star with her own hits and great albums.
“Bright Star” is a totally original show, much like Sting’s “Last Ship” was this season. Casting hasn’t been announced yet for “Bright Star” but my guess is that producer Joey Parnes will have to bring in a star to make the show work. That’s what’s driving sales for “Finding Neverland” right now. A great score alone won’t work.