Steve Martin is no stranger to the Kennedy Center. He received the Kennedy Center Honor in 2007, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2012, and just last month performed bluegrass tunes with the Steep Canyon Rangers in the Concert Hall. This fall, the comedian and author arrives in a totally different capacity, as the writer and composer, alongside singer-songwriter Edie Brickell, of the new musical Bright Star. If the beloved creative forces behind this production don’t immediately persuade audiences to purchase tickets, the dynamic true story on which Bright Star is based will pique the interest of history and theater geeks. The show bounces between the American South in the 1940s and 1920s, when successful literary editor Alice Murphy meets a soldier just arrived home from World War II; their connection prompts her to reflect on her dark past. Having already received a Grammy for their 2013 collaboration Love Has Come for You, the duo’s compositions have developed a following in the Americana world. Before checking out Bright Star, preview a few of the songs on So Familiar, Martin and Brickell’s latest album.The musical runs Dec. 2 through Jan. 10 at the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theatre, 2700 F St. NW. $45–$175. (202) 467-4600. kennedy-center.org.