As our “Bright Star” fades, David and I watch the sun rise on “The Mystery of Irma Vep.” #brightstar #irmavep — Jeff Hartman, September 22, 2019
Maggie Smith once said, “I like the ephemeral thing about theatre, every performance is like a ghost – it’s there and then it’s gone.”
I believe that’s what I love so much about theatre. It exists in the present form only. There is such a visceral connection you can have with a show and its actors in such a short amount of time… and then it’s gone—left to live only in our memories and imaginations.
The beautiful souls of the actors, musicians, production staff and volunteers who created Bright Star were some of the most dedicated, hard working, trusting, creative and openly loving people I have ever worked with in the theatre.
“My heart’s about to bust” from the overwhelming outpouring of love and support for this show from our community. Thank you!
To the cast, crew and musicians: Thank you… beyond measure and beyond reason. You are all part of my story now.
I love you. — David Townsend, September 22, 2019
I can’t say enough how much of an emotional, nostalgic, numerical love-fest this show has been for me. 23 years (23 years pass in the show) since Carol Anne and I did a Green Room show together. 30 years since David and I started doing theatre together. This is a picture of David, Jan Lail Pritchard (our high school drama teacher) and me, reunited for the first time in 27 years, after this evening’s performance of Bright Star. I could not have made it through high school without this woman and her theatre program. #imageplayers — Jeff Hartman, September 15, 2019
Wow! What a wonderful night of theatre with two of my all-time favorite Image Players! David Townsend, Director, and Jeff Hartman, Musical Director, joined to stage “Bright Star,” a beautiful, thought-provoking production that warms the heart. Carol Anne Hartman, Jeff’s wife, is stellar in the lead, and her supporting cast is remarkable. The Green Room is a perfect theatre for sound, comfort, and staging, and audiences will be thrilled with this show. David has directed his cast to be believable and relatable, while Jeff has taken a musical score that is plaintive and challenging and turned his actors into vocalists and musicians themselves. Jeff is not only the Musical Director, but he is also an accomplished musician himself showcasing his playing keyboard, guitar, and harmonica. If you haven’t seen the show, please order your ticket today for the final performances on September 20, 21, and 22 at The Green Room in Newton, NC. I have seen many shows at The Green Room in Newton and many of them rival Broadway! We can all be proud of this theatre and give it our support. David, Jeff, cast, and crew–BRAVO! — Jan Lail Pritchard, September 15, 2019
Story time: 23 years ago I was cast in The Fantasticks at The Green Room Community Theatre (back before it was at OPOP). I was Louisa and Jeff was El Gallo (a mysterious bandit – ooooo). We started dating during that show, with many of our dates consisting of just sitting in one of our cars under the light in the parking lot after rehearsals and talking; we refer to that as our Plastic Moon.
20 years ago, he took me to that same plastic moon and asked me to be his wife.
Today marks 19 years since he gave me a second ring and we told each other, “never doubt I love,” and I hope he never does. Because I sure do. Happy Anniversary, My Luv.
Fun Fact: The show we are currently doing together takes place across 23 years AND it’s been 23 years since we’ve been together on stage at The Green Room. — Carol Anne Hartman, September 9, 2019
Celebrating 19 years of marriage and 23 years together with my love, today. “Bright Star,” the show we’re currently doing, takes place across 23 years and it’s been 23 years since we’ve been together onstage at The Green Room. This video was from our anniversary a few years ago, beginning with our first show together then mixing our wedding at Hickory Theatre with our first show at The Green Room and our wedding duet in ”The Last 5 Years.” #annie — Jeff Hartman, September 9, 2019
Dear Bright Stars,
As you know, David and I have been at this a long time and many of you are already ahead of the curve from where we were when we were your age (say “where we were when we were” 10 times really fast!).
Speaking for myself, I’ve been directing and music directing since I was 19. I don’t like to speak in extremes in such a subjective medium, but I can say unequivocally that in that 25 years, this is by far the tightest, most able and amicable (a nice bonus) cast I’ve ever had the pleasure of music directing.
I didn’t know what to do with myself when you were nailing the vocal parts, 8-part harmonies at times, by the end of Week Two. You were off-music and ready to perform at Week Four! I was like, “Now what?”
You’ve given me the gift of not having to micromanage your assignments and it’s allowed me and you the freedom to detail, explore and focus on other things. I hope you appreciate how special and uncommon this is in Community Theatre. You should be very proud of yourselves.
On a personal note, I lost my baby brother at the end of March to alcoholism at the age of 33. You have made life so much better for me with your angelic voices. You’re all a blessing to me.
I hope I get to work with each one of you again and get to know each other better, sooner than later. Thank you for your time, talent and patience. If any of you ever need anything, I’m always around.
Break legs!
Much love,
Jeff, MD — Jeff Hartman, September 6, 2019
I’ve loved this guy right here for 30 years. We have been onstage with each other in such shows as Guys and Dolls, Damn Yankees, The Shadowbox and The Fantasticks… but this is the first time we have worked together as a team. I have admired Jeff Hartman for decades and have wanted to work with him in this capacity for so long… and Bright Star is the perfect show for our first collaboration. I cannot wait for y’all to hear what my friend has done with this beautiful score. — David Townsend, August 26, 2019
Sometimes, during rehearsal, I just sit and let the voices of this cast singing this gorgeous music wash over me…and I am overwhelmed. Every person involved with this production is someone I hold in the highest esteem…and I am humbled to be at the helm along with Jeff Hartman and Melissa And-Grace. Tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow!! Reserve your seats NOW to make sure you have the chance to see this beautiful show!
thegreenroomtheatre.org — David Townsend, August 22, 2019