We sat down with Bright Star director Nathan Cummings to ask him a few questions about Cinnabar Theater's upcoming production!

What drew you to Bright Star as a director, and what is it about the show that you believe will resonate with the audience?

What initially drew me to Bright Star was its rich emotional landscape and its stunning, folk-infused score. The story, inspired by real events, walks a beautiful line between history and fable. It’s deeply human—about love, loss, redemption, and the power of storytelling to connect our past to our future. What makes the show so compelling is its authenticity. These are characters who wrestle with grief and regret but also with hope and forgiveness. I believe audiences will see themselves in these stories. Whether it’s the ache of first love, the sting of a missed opportunity, or the joy of rediscovery, Bright Star resonates because it feels real—even as it sings like a something timeless.

What has been the most rewarding or surprising part of working on Bright Star so far?

The most rewarding part of this process has been watching our cast step into this world with such open hearts and deep empathy. From day one, they’ve brought incredible dedication and emotional honesty to their roles, which has allowed the story to grow and deepen in unexpected ways. A lovely surprise has been how quickly the ensemble embraced their role as storytellers—not just characters on stage, but as emotional guides for the audience. That kind of ownership, especially in a piece that asks a lot from everyone involved, has been inspiring to witness. The connection between the performers, the music, and the narrative has created something really special in the room.

How do you collaborate with your creative team—designers, choreographers, music directors—to bring your vision to life?

Collaboration is at the heart of my directing process. I see my job as creating a shared vision that allows each team member’s talents to shine while ensuring the final product feels cohesive and emotionally grounded. With Bright Star, I’ve had the privilege of working with an incredible team—from our music director and choreographer to our designers—and every decision we’ve made has been rooted in storytelling.

Do you have a favorite moment or song in the show?

That’s a tough one—there are so many moments I love! But if I had to choose, I’d say two songs come to mind in the imitated “I Can’t Wait” and “Asheville.” Both are deceptively simple in structure but emotionally rich—and they speak volumes about the characters’ inner lives. “I Can’t Wait” captures youthful anticipation and joy so beautifully. It’s brimming with optimism, with that electric energy of falling in love and dreaming about the future. It’s a musical expression of innocence before the world gets more complicated. On the flip side, “Asheville” is a quiet heartbreak. It’s an intimate, emotionally raw number that shows how deeply words can wound and how love sometimes needs to let go. And of you allow me to keep going on the other end of the spectrum the song “Another Round” is pure fun—it was a blast to stage and is assured to get the audience smiling and stomping along.

What would you say to someone who’s never seen Bright Star to encourage them to come see it?

If you’ve never seen Bright Star, let me just say—you’re in for something truly special. It’s not your typical musical. The story is heartfelt and grounded, the characters feel real, and the music—rooted in bluegrass and Americana traditions—is absolutely unforgettable. You don’t need to know anything going in—just come with an open heart. You’ll laugh, you might cry, and I promise the songs will stay with you long after the final bow. Bright Star is a story about second chances, the enduring bond of family, and the hope that we carry forward even after great loss. It’s a story we all need right now.