Back in 2023, I had the privilege of photographing one of my favorite productions to date: Bright Star, The Musical at Beavercreek Community Theatre. I had worked with this theatre before, photographing their production of Twelfth Night, and I was deeply touched by how much the cast and crew appreciated those photos. Their support meant the world to me, and when Bright Star came along just a few months later, they welcomed me back with open arms. The show was written by Steve Martin, with music and lyrics by Edie Brickell, directed by Jeff Sams, produced by Kerry Corthell, music direction by Lorri Topping and set designed by Chris Harmon, whose sets are always breathtaking. From the moment I stepped into the theatre for the first tech rehearsal, I was captivated — the set was stunning, the costumes exquisite, and the cast so talented and full of energy that it immediately made the story come alive. Something inside me whispered: “this is going to be a special one.”

And it truly was.

For anyone unfamiliar with the show, Bright Star is a musical written and composed by Steve Martin and music by Edie Brickell. It’s set in North Carolina in the 1920s and 1940s, weaving together two storylines that eventually intertwine. At its heart, the musical is about love, loss, redemption, and the hope of finding your way back to the light after some of life’s darkest moments. The central character, Alice Murphy, is a woman with a complicated past whose life changes forever when she crosses paths with Billy Cane, a young aspiring writer just returned from war. Billy is full of determination and dreams, while Alice is carrying a secret that has shaped her entire life. Their stories are powerful on their own, but it’s the way they overlap that makes Bright Star unforgettable.

Two scenes in particular stayed with me while photographing. One focused on Adee acting as Alice Murphy and David as Billy Cane, and the emotions between them were so intense and heartbreaking. Without giving too much away, there is a moment where Alice faces an incredibly difficult choice that affects both her and Billy in profound ways. You can feel the weight of her past, the longing in her heart, and the quiet hope that still shines through. Photographing these moments, I felt the depth of their connection: the tension, the vulnerability, and the subtle ways love and loss shape their lives. It was one of those rare instances where every glance, every gesture, and every expression carried layers of meaning, and I had to move quickly to capture it all through my lens.

Another unforgettable moment was Margo’s performance of “Asheville.” Watching Lindsey performing as Margo bring such raw vulnerability and longing to the stage gave me absolute goosebumps. Her voice carried a deep yearning that was impossible to ignore, and the emotion of the moment filled the theatre. Capturing Lindsey’s performance reminded me why theatre is such a powerful art form, it can make you feel the intensity of love and desire, the ache of longing, and the beauty of human connection in a single song.

One of the most special parts of photographing Bright Star was a personal full-circle moment. Years earlier, during my graphic design fellowship at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, I met A.J. Shively while he was involved with a show called Paradise Square. He originated the role of Billy Cane in the Broadway production of Bright Star. At Beavercreek Community Theatre, that same role was played by my friend David. After photographing the show, I messaged A.J. to share my experience, and he told me that acting in Bright Star was one of the best experiences of his career. He welcomed me, the cast and the crew into the “Bright Star family” for putting Bright Star onstage and for photographing the show at BCT. A.J. mentioned how there is something magical and impactful about this story and the music. Sitting there behind my camera, watching the story unfold and seeing David bring Billy Cane to life, I felt an incredible sense of connection, from Broadway to Beavercreek, from one chapter of my life to the next. It made the experience feel even more meaningful and reminded me how small and wonderful the world of theatre can be.

The message of Bright Star — hope and finding light in the dark — could not have come at a better time. While photographing the show, I was working through some challenges behind the scenes, and the story, music, and performances became a comforting reminder that even when life feels heavy, there is still joy, beauty, and light to be found.

There were two songs in particular that stayed with me long after the curtain came down. “Asheville” was haunting and tender, a song about longing and starting over that hit close to home. The title song, “Bright Star,” felt like a promise, a reminder that there is always something steady and shining above us even when life feels uncertain. There is a chorus in the song that resonates with me heavily even today:

There’s always a song to sing
A melody in the dark
Lifts my spirits
Every time I hear it
Comforts my aching heart.

Bright star, keep shining for me;
Shine on and see me through
Bright star, keep shining for me,
And one day I’ll shine for you.

Anytime I start to feel sad, overwhelmed, or just weighed down by the day, I listen to the chorus from the song. Its melody and words wrap around me like a gentle reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is hope, there is light, and there is a way forward. Every note feels like a quiet reassurance, a promise that no matter what, we can find our way back to joy, connection, and the beauty waiting to be seen.

What made this production even more special was that Bright Star sold out every single performance. All shows, all days — completely sold out. Having worked as a graphic design fellow at a professional theatre, I know just how difficult that is to achieve. For a theatre like Beavercreek Community Theatre to reach that milestone was incredible, and I was absolutely thrilled for them. It wasn’t just a victory for the theatre, but for everyone involved: from the cast and crew to the volunteers behind the scenes who made it all possible. I couldn’t have been prouder to witness their hard work pay off.

Photographing Bright Star reminded me why I fell in love with theatre in the first place. It’s not just about entertainment — it’s about connection, emotion, and the way a story can speak directly to your soul. I walked away from that experience not just with photographs I was proud of, but with a deeper appreciation for the resilience, passion, and artistry of theatre. And every time I look back on those photos, I’m reminded of the light that Bright Star shone into my own life.

Bright Star was the show that made me fall completely in love with photographing theatre. It made me realize that every production has its own heartbeat, its own message, and its own light to share. My job is simply to witness it and to preserve it through my lens. And that is a responsibility I will never take for granted. Bright Star taught me that every story, every performance, and every note has the power to touch hearts, change perspectives, and remind us of the light that exists in the world.

As a photographer, I have the privilege of capturing those moments, and in doing so, I hope to carry that light forward, sharing it with others, and reminding everyone that even in our darkest times, there is always hope, connection, and beauty waiting to be seen.

So keep shining, for the light of your own bright star will always find you.

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Production Credits —  Bright Star, The Musical

Presented by Beavercreek Community Theatre