The Sun Sets on the Gibbons Drama Production of Brightstar

Brightstar+on+stage

Brightstar on stage

As the lights come up for the curtain call of the final production of Brightstar, there is not a dry eye in the theater as the audience is moved by the impactful story and an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for the incredible opportunity engulfs the cast and crew. 

After countless hours and multiple months of rehearsals, Brightstar wowed the Gibbons community with an amazing show thanks to the dedication, passion, and care of all involved. Told uniquely through blue grass music, Brightstar depicts the story of love, loss, redemption, and perseverance as it follows multiple characters and plotlines that take place in many different locations in North Carolina. The plot lines, between two different time periods, intertwine to create a beautiful story that is guaranteed to stick with the audience. However, it was not an easy task to pull off this show and many people were crucial in making this show great. 

The direction from Mr. Kevin Ferguson, music direction from Mrs. Julie Bradley, and choreography from Mr. Zach Taylor all worked hand in hand every day at rehearsal to guide the actors in putting on a show that displayed great performances, beautiful vocals, and tight, blue grass-influenced choreography. Set production from Mrs. Karestin Harrison, Stage Manager Jackie Mazzerina, Jackie Hunter, and the tech theater classes ensured a wonderfully built set that was enhanced by their lighting and sound design. Costuming by Costume Designer Ms. Emily Sartori and Assistant Costume Designer Molly Spangler were instrumental in creating a sense of the time period and relaying the mood. Students who joined during tech week to give up their time to tech or drees Brightstar was important in ensuring things ran smoothly before, during, and after showtime. Every single person involved was critical to creating the show that was put before audiences.

Because the music in Brightstar is so unique, it was decided that a bluegrass band would be hired to bring a new layer of spectacle and professionalism to the show and its music. Directed by Mrs. Julie Bradley, the band and Gibbons senior John Jenkins and teacher Mr. Andy Hawks, wowed first the cast and then audiences with their playing. It truly enhanced the show to have them join the production. 

Overall, Brightstar was a culmination of the collaboration of Gibbons educators, students, and outside contributors to create a piece of art that stuck with the Cardinal Gibbons community. It was sad to say goodbye to Brightstar, but that is a testament to how poignant the show was, and just like any great theater, must eventually come to an end. 

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  • Brightstar on stage

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