PhotosPHOTO EXCLUSIVE: Spend a Day With A.J. Shively at the New Steve Martin-Edie Brickell Musical Bright StarSan Diego's Old Globe is currently presenting the world premiere of Bright Star, the new American musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. Leading man A.J. Shively shares these exclusive snapshots from the experience.
By
Matthew Blank
October 23, 2014
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PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: Spend a Day With A.J. Shively at the New Steve Martin-Edie Brickell Musical Bright Star
PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: Spend a Day With A.J. Shively at the New Steve Martin-Edie Brickell Musical Bright Star
San Diego's Old Globe is currently presenting the world premiere of Bright Star, the new American musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. Leading man A.J. Shively shares these exclusive snapshots from the experience.
24 PHOTOS
Good morning from sunny San Diego. A.J. Shively here to guide you through a two-show day for Bright Star at The Old Globe. Looking out onto this view of San Diego, you’d never guess it’s almost Halloween.
A.J. Shively
The whole cast stays here at the Shiley Terrace. Oh wait, they spelled my name wrong… Well, that’s close enough. It’s actually Shively, A-J S-H-I-V-E-L-Y.
A.J. Shively
Shively Terrace has a diverse array of flora and fauna, from pumpkins and basil to tiny palm trees. Yes, those leashed animals are all the same size, and yes, Sarah Jane’s is a cat.
A.J. Shively
Time to get to the theater! Most of the cast takes two or four wheels, but I opt out and walk.
A.J. Shively
And here is the beautiful Old Glo—wait what? Why did my camera do that? Strange
Alright, here is the beautiful Old Globe. And, look who I found! It’s Artistic Director Barry Edelstein!
A.J. Shively
Wow, security is tight today.
A.J. Shively
Like, really tight. Good thing I have all the codes.
A.J. Shively
I finally make it into the theater, and bam! C’mon guys! It’s Shively, S-H-I-V-E-L-Y. Let’s go sign in.
A.J. Shively
Whoa! There are giant spiders all over the call board! Scott and Joe don’t seemed too bothered by it, and neither do any of our amazing dressers, even though this theater is allegedly haunted by no fewer than three ghosts…
A.J. Shively
Jay makes sure our edible props stay delicious. We’ve got biscuits in a basket, jelly rolls, peas in pods… and frogs.
A.J. Shively
Whoops, sorry Jason! Guess I left a trail of breadcrumbs. And here are Scott and Dave making sure everything’s set for the—what is Dave doing to that baby?
A.J. Shively
It’s all ok, just some minor facial surgery. Wayne D., the baby’s scene partner, relaxes in his dressing room. Things are just about set, so it’s time to do our first show of the day.
A.J. Shively
The matinee was a flying success, and dinner was delicious. It’s time for our second show, but while we wait, Allison, Kate, Hannah, Patti and Leah sew needle point and try on fashions to fill the time.
A.J. Shively
Greg, Jeff, and Wayne W. start working out this puzzle with some support from Scott, Joe, Ashley, and Max.
A.J. Shively
OH NO! IT’S THE CURSE OF THE BLOODY HAND!! And it’s already taken down Pint-Sized Pete, the puny picker from Polk County! The Horror! How can we lift the curse?!
A.J. Shively
Max, Carmen: play me into a training montage.
A.J. Shively
As Steve and I roll it out, Special Operative Libby and yoga guru Stevie Lee lead the ladies in a brisk, powerful warmup. Libby’s wig-cap/girdle combo makes her extremely aerodynamic.
A.J. Shively
With eagle-eyed Leah and Tyler manning the searchlights, and Evan, Christian, and R.J. analyzing the clues with their impressive machinery, we’re about ready to start the show.
A.J. Shively
Stage management team Anjee, Jess, Kendra get things ready, including our little locomotive.
A.J. Shively
Here we go! Music Director Rob, give them an A. Bennett, Erica and Travis, time to tune up!
A.J. Shively
Tiffany, Alec and Michael are done tuning. Anthony and Dennis are good to go.
A.J. Shively
There’s just enough time for Ana to get Lulu into her wig, and for Ashley, Max and me to put on our uniforms. It’s showtime, folks!
A.J. Shively
Happy Halloween from the cast/crew of Bright Star at The Old Globe. Come visit us through Nov. 2!
Allison Briner, Max Chernin, Leah Horowitz (Follies, Les Misérables), Joe Jung (Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson), Ashley Robinson (Merrily We Roll Along, The Last Goodbye), Sarah Jane Shanks and Scott Wakefield (Hands on a Hardbody, Ring of Fire) comprise the ensemble. Lulu Lloyd, Paige Herschell and Greg Roderick are swings.
Here's how the production is billed: "Bright Star features nearly 20 new songs — Americana with a touch of rock — and tells a beguiling tale that unfolds in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina between 1923 and 1945. Billy Cane, a young soldier just home from World War II, meets Alice Murphy, the brilliant editor of a southern literary journal. Together they discover a powerful secret that alters their lives. Tony Award-winning director Walter Bobbie makes his Globe debut with this entertaining musical of enduring love, family ties, and the light of forgiveness that shines from a bright star."
"Bright Star is simply fantastic," artistic director Barry Edelstein said in a previous statement. "It is that rarest of rare birds: a genuinely original, new American musical. The music is gorgeous and completely captivating, and the story heartfelt and very sweet. I know that San Diego audiences will adore it. I am grateful that Steve Martin and Edie Brickell have entrusted their world premiere to The Old Globe. Along with their director, the great Walter Bobbie, they have assembled a world-class company whose bright stars will shine spectacularly on our stage."
"That our musical is premiering at the wonderful Old Globe in San Diego where Shakespeare first performed his plays fills me with humility," Martin added.
"After visiting the Globe, I realize how lucky I am to be a part of a production there. I cannot wait to see Bright Star rise and shine at the gorgeous Old Globe," Brickell said in a previous statement.
The creative team includes Josh Rhodes (choreographer), Peter Asher (musical supervisor), Rob Berman (musical director, vocal arrangements), August Eriksmoen (orchestrator), Eugene Lee (scenic design), Jane Greenwood (costume design), Japhy Weideman (lighting design), Nevin Steinberg (sound design), Lee Wilkins (associate choreographer), Howie Cherpakov CSA (casting) and Anjee Nero (stage manager).
The Old Globe is located in San Diego's Balboa Park at 1363 Old Globe Way. Tickets and more information are available by calling (619) 23-GLOBE or visiting TheOldGlobe.org.
