The Uwharrie Players’ production of “Bright Star” will open next Friday night.

The story is set against the backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and 1940s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past — and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives.

“Bright Star” is written by comedian, actor and bluegrass musician Steve Martin and Edie Brickell.

“It’s exciting to have not one, but two third-generation Uwharrie Players members in this cast with Zac Baker and Darby Shaw,” said Lisa Ewers, who will be mixing sound for the show and serves on the board. “We also have some long-time veterans of the Players back on stage together for the first time in many years with Gary Moran and Kent Harkey. I love seeing how this multi-generational cast has come together to tell this story. It’s the perfect parallel to the story itself.”

Performances will be 7:30 p.m. July 28-29 and Aug 4-5 and 3 p.m. July 30 and Aug 6 at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center. Visit www.TheUwharriePlayers.org for tickets.