Two Coquitlam actors appear in a bluegrass musical this month, a show that Trinity Western University had hoped to mount last spring but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Madison Willoughby portrays Margo and Lani-Marie Carbonel plays Alice Murphy in Bright Star, a musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell that runs March 15 to April 2 at the Langley campus.
Set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, the love story — in the aftermath of WWII — is based on real events, and features a Tony-nominated musical score.
In the production, Willoughby’s character yearns to be with writer Billy Cane. “Margo has a gentle demeanour and a fiery soul,” Willoughby said in a news release, of her role. “It’s such fun to play a smart woman with real strength and passion. And singing these songs is pure delight.”
Directed by Kate Muchmore Woo with musical direction by Allan Thorpe and Joel Tranquilla, Bright Star also highlights the choreography and costume designs of Tri-City residents Lalainia Lindjberg Strelau and Kerri Norris, respectively; it features 17 actors and eight musicians.
“After so many months with little engagement, I am deeply grateful to be part of this beautiful musical that really celebrates community,” Willoughby said. “Margo teaches me to be strong in the face of challenges and to remember — as the song says — The Sun is Gonna Shine Again.”
Bright Star plays on the Langley campus of Trinity Western University from March 15 to April 2 at 7:30 p.m., plus Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. on March 26 and April 2. Go to twu.ca/theatre.
