PCPA will present “Bright Star,” the Grammy- and Tony-nominated musical, April 27-May 14 in the Marian Theatre, and July 7-23 in Solvang Festival Theater.

With music, book and story by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, “Bright Star” weaves toe-tapping bluegrass and true events into a genuine journey along the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina in 1945-46, with flashbacks to 1923.

“Bright Star” premiered at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, California, in 2014 and opened on Broadway in the spring of 2016, earning five Tony Award nominations (Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations).

The music for “Bright Star” was inspired by Martin’s and Brickell’s Grammy Award-winning album “Love Has Come for You,” which featured 13 original songs by Martin and Brickle. The musical’s plot came from a true story, turned folksong called “Iron Mountain Baby.”

“Home. A thought that usually brings a sense of warmth, peace, safety, and/or happiness. It’s a comforting thought, though it may not refer to a specific place,” said director /choreographer Keenon Hooks. “We can find that same comfort in someone else, or even better, ourselves.

“‘Bright Star’ the musical takes us on that journey, allowing us to discover what home means to us in different ways.”

“We follow the story of Alice Murphy, and embark on a journey of love, heartache, hope, responsibility, and redemption,” Hooks said. “We all have a story to tell, and the stories of our beloved characters in ‘Bright Star’ remind us of the steadfast strength to be found within ourselves, in the people that surround us, and in our roots.

“With a beautiful bluegrass score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, and our live orchestra featuring professional musicians, resident artists, and students combined, I invite you to let yourself get lost in these storie,” Hooks said.

In addition to Hooks, the creative team includes Michael Wilkins, music director; Jason Bolen, scenic designer; Jacqueline Heimel, costume designer; Cody Soper, lighting designer; Tony Angelini, sound designer; Kitty Balay, voice dialect coach; and Suzanne Tyler, stage manager.

The cast features guest Lesley McKinnell as Alice Murphy, Don Stewart as Daddy Murphy, Kitty Balay as Mama Murphy, Cat Evans as Lucy Grant, Oscar Emmanuel Fabela as Daryl Ames, Jordan Stidham as Billy Cane, Andrew Philpot as Daddy Cane, Erik Stein as Mayor Josiah, George Walker as Jimmy Ray Dobbs, and Lottie Arnold as Margo Crawford.

For tickets, visit www.pcpa.org or call the box office at 805-922-8313.