**** Recommended I was charmed by the Music Theater Works production of Brigadoon, one of my favorite musicals – which, by the way, has one of the best scores ever written. The MTW cast were definitely able to carry a tune, although only a couple managed a Scottish brogue. The choreography was enthusiastic and energetic, while the sword dance was quite good. Although the men wore kilts, the women’s flower-trimmed dresses looked more appropriate for Camelot than Brigadoon. I really enjoyed this production. 3 ½ Spotlights
Brigadoon opened on Broadway in 1947. It was the fourth collaboration – and first hit – for Alan J. Loerner and Frederick Loewe. Brigadoon was made into a film starring Gene Kelly, Van Johnson and Cyd Charisse in 1954, and a TV special starring Robert Goulet, Peter Falk and Sally Anne Howes in 1966. At least a couple of generations of young people have never seen this charming romance, so kudos to MTW for this production, which was directed by Sasha Gerritson. Assistant director and choreographer is Clayton Cross. Music direction by Michael McBride.
Tommy Albright (Conor Jordan) and his friend, Jeff Douglas (Zachary Linnert), are in Scotland on a hunting trip when they got lost somewhere in the Highlands, forcing them to camp out. In the morning, they stumble across a village which wasn’t there the night before.
Meanwhile, in the village of Brigadoon, it’s a busy market day, Down in MacConnachy Square. Everyone is buzzing about a wedding coming up later in the day. When Tommy and Jeff wander into town, everything stops, everyone is suspicious of the strangers with odd clothes and strange money.
When someone offers them a drink, they gratefully accept, and people go back to what they were doing, but when Tommy starts asking questions, Mr. Lundie (Timothy Wolf), the schoolmaster explains that due to a miracle, Brigadoon only appears for one day every 100 years.
The bride, Jean MacLaren (Susannah Harvey) and her sister, Fiona (Sarah Obert), are buying things they need for the wedding. Fiona quietly gives a length of the MacLaren plaid with Archie Beaton (Bob Sanders) to be made into a vest for their father, Andrew (Kent Joseph), to wear at the wedding.
Just then, the groom, Charlie Dalrymple (Luke Nowakowski), burst into the square celebrating his upcoming nuptials with a pint or two while singing Go Home with Bonnie Jean. Archie Beaton’s son, Harry (Will Leonard), who’s also in love with Jean, takes exception to Charlie and they mix it up.
When Tommy meets Fiona, he’s immediately interested, offering to help her gather heather for the wedding, as they sing The Heather on the Hill. Back in town, Meg Brockie (Madison Kauffman) tries to seduce Jeff.
The Brigadoon score includes glorious songs like Almost Like Being in Love, Come to Me, Bend to Me, From This Day On and There But for You Go I. By the way, it’s practically impossible to mention the music in “Brigadoon” without talking about dance since the two disciplines are so intertwined in this musical. The most dramatic dance moments in Brigadoon would have to be the fierce sword dance in the wedding scene, the desperate chase through the forest, and the funeral dance to the somber music of the bagpipe.
Also appearing: Stan Austen as Stuart Dalrymple, Adam Raso as Angus MacGuffie/Sandy Dean; Delaney Good as Jane Ashton; Isa Ramirez as Maggie Anderson; Jimmy Hogan as Frank and Anna Marie Abbate as Kate. The ensemble includes: Emma Jean Eastland, Theresa Eagan, David Geinosky, Dee Kimpel, Olivia Russell, Alex Villasenor and Renee Dwyer.
The orchestra includes Michael McBride (Conductor/Piano), Hillary Bailey (Violin), Matthew Beck (Reeds), Cara Strauss (Reeds), Greg Strauss (Trumpet), Phil Stanley (French Horn), Rafe Bradford (Bass) and Lior Shragg (Percussion).
The Music Theater Works production of Brigadoon runs through November 12th in the North Theater, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 N. Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Parking is free. Running time is approximately two hours, 45 minutes, with an intermission. Performances are Wednesdays at 1:00 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm; Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tickets range from $39-$106 (guests 25 years of age and younger- 50% off). FYI www.musictheaterworks.com.