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Woo hoo! I've got a pit orchestra gig playing mandolin for a production of Bright Star. I saw a professional production a couple of months ago — what I'm doing is a high school production, but it pays pretty well.
Anyone here played this show before? Mandolin part is fairly extensive — in the show I saw, the mandolin player doubled on guitar, so there is more in the score than what I have heard. Most of it doesn't look terribly difficult.
My occasional band - Runaway Train - got to play a pre-show set at the regional performance last week. The "Bright Star" producers partnered with the CBA to have a different bluegrass or old time band play live for the hour or so before each night of the production. That was really fun!
Currently doing my second high school production of Bright Star, and having a blast.
Our own Wayne Fugate was the (or one of the) mando players that toured with "Bright Star".
Indeed! Photo evidence suggests that in Wayne's production the band was up on the stage playing from memory at least part of the time. I haven't had to do that in these here high school productions ... more of a "pit band" atmosphere. We plugged in the violinist and gave her a little boost with a Fishman Loudbox, but I'm told the mandolin and banjo are cutting through just fine without amplification (theatre is on the small side).
Wayne worked as a sub when it was on Broadway and then did the tour. Steve Martin would show up occasionaly and play with the band. Wayne's a great guy. If you want to get in touch with him PM me and I'll give you his email.
Attachment 184149 Here's a photo of the band on stage. That's Wayne on the mandolin :)