Starbright at The Magnetic Theatre
Asheville-based playwright Sean David Robinson’s Starbright could have been a dark, somber story. But in the hands of the Magnetic Theatre’s cast and crew, the tale turns into one of hope.
Set in present-day Maine, the drama centers on Grace (Courtney DeGennaro Robinson) as she mourns the death of her daughter Abigail (Ivy Rose Voloshin). It’s unclear how exactly she died, just that it was sudden. Calvin (Scott Voloshin), Grace’s husband, has moved slightly past the unbearable grief, and wants to move out west to Arizona, giving Grace a fresh start at another observatory while leaving painful reminders behind. Only Grace isn’t entirely sure that Abigail is gone for good. She talks of having dreams about her daughter, and Abigail is making astronomical predictions that no one besides Grace would understand. Calvin, concerned for his wife’s mental health, calls in her aunt, Margaret (Janet Oliver), who witnessed Grace’s mother’s mental illness firsthand.
The on-stage chemistry of the entire cast is astounding. Scott Voloshin nails the concerned husband role without seeming overbearing, and his real-life daughter Ivy Rose Voloshin has seemingly boundless energy when talking about nebulae and constellations while maintaining an air of distance and otherworldliness, almost like she embodies space itself. Oliver’s interactions with Robinson have the perfect “fun aunt” vibe with concerned undertones. Even though opening night can be stressful, the first public performance was absolutely perfect to this audience member.
The set, while simple, highlights stage manager/set designer Tippin’s skill at making a small space feel vast, mimicking the play’s out-of-this-world theme. Under Ashleigh Millet-Goff’s direction, this story about grief, mental health, and hope becomes something truly special. There are small moments of humor, specifically from Oliver, to add levity to the scenes, and, if you’re a space nerd like I am, there are plenty of moments that will make you feel just as excited as Grace and Abigail as they talk about the birth of stars. Be prepared to tear up at Robinson’s performance, and believe in the impossible.
Starbright runs through Saturday, July 23, at The Magnetic Theatre. For details and tickets, visit themagnetictheatre.org.
(Photo by Cheyenne Dancy)
