Morning Star Play

an ambitious and successful labor of love; a musical theatrical production that tells the story, joys and sorrows, of Morningstar Ranch, the open-​land commune of the rise and fall late 60s and early 70s founded by musicologist and folk performer Lou Gottlieb of the Limeliters.
this is community theater at its best, performed by a cast with considerable musical and dramatic talent «in the round» in an intimate theater seating 125, across from Sonoma State University.
on opening night, May3, the audience included many former communards and friends of west Sonoma County’s Morningstar Ranch and its sister community, Wheeler’s Ranch, and the attendees were not disappointed by their portrayal. one stage tale about hippies that is neither condescending nor prone to fall into easy cliché, playwright Nick Alva (who is also the composer and arranger of several of the catchiest tunes in the score) has learned his history well, and captured the zeitgeist of the times in a way that will appeal to audiences of many ages. alternately moving and hilarious, capturing the tensions between spiritual seeking and hedonism, play and desperation. well worth the $ 14to $ 16 admission to this two-​act delight. I’m planning to go back and bring my 13 year old, though we are cautioned that «some material may not be suitable for younger children“because it addresses such themes as sexuality (though there is no nudity or overt sexual conduct on stage) ‚“fecal samples» and use of marijuana psychedelic drugs. (shocking –hippies really did THAT??? naw…) ironically, the playwright’s own three adorable children, and several other equally sweet kids, s, are part of a «youth ensemble» that joins in a joyous Maypole dance and song. you will want to join them too! the Divine Mother, standing scarcely over five feet tall in a simple green gown, has a simply divine voice in her solos, and I came home singing the «Hey, Lou Gottlieb!» song. great cast, including the talented musicians’ ensenble, great story well-​told, great direction. enjoy, and heed the cautionary parts of the tale.