Brigadoon

It is so refreshing to see older shows which are rarely performed these days. Lerner and Loewe’s Brigadoon is a charming, magical love story containing lovely music and many interesting characters.

Tommy Albright and Jeff Douglas, two friends from New York who are visiting the Scottish Highlands on a game hunting vacation, stumble into the mystical village, Brigadoon, which appears only one day every hundred years. During their one-day visit they are intrigued by the villagers, their way of life and their beliefs.

Tommie Travers (Tommy) and Mark Wilson (Jeff) were a strong duo interacting well. Mark extracted all the comedy he could from the character especially when faced with the vivacious, flirtatious Meg Brockie. Katie Bell was superb in this role, feisty and saucy she was determined to seduce her man. Meg has two of the most difficult, ‘wordy’ songs in the show and both ‘The Love Of My Life’ and ‘My Mother’s Wedding Day’ were most entertaining and memorable with every word coming across clearly.

Whilst Jeff and Meg don’t actually become an item, Tommy does find true love with Fiona, a young village girl. Mariel Main played the part of Fiona very sweetly. She and Tommy have probably the best-known duets in the show. ‘The Heather On The Hill’ and the ever popular ‘Almost Like Being in Love’ were sung with real feeling. Tommy’s ‘There But For You Go I’ was romantic, vocally strong and convinced us of his true love for Fiona.

Tommy and Jeff have arrived in time to witness the wedding between Jean MacKeith and Charlie Cameron. Aidan O’Brien was a dashing Charlie. ‘Come To Me Bend To Me’ was superbly sung to Jean played and danced with ease and grace by Sylvia Cowie. The villagers are delighted with the union between Jean and Charlie and the wedding scene was lively and jovial with the clans cheering and reacting as they enjoyed some highland dancing and a very neat sword dance performed by Maggie Abernethy (Jane Coatham).

Not everyone however approves of the nuptials. Harry Ritchie is the villain of the piece and Marc Robertson readily portrayed the jealous, surly Harry. Determined to leave Brigadoon and break the magic spell, he runs but unfortunately meets his end. A sombre funeral procession through the auditorium was very moving as the piper John Lauder played Piobrochead. Brian McKercher was excellent in the role of Donald Ritchie, Harry’s dad, keeping the dialogue moving along and showing real emotion at the death of his son.

One of the captivating scenes was when Mr. Murdoch, the dominie, was telling Jeff and Tommy the tale and miracle of Brigadoon. This was a long monologue but Neil Buchanan had the audience in the palm of his hand as he narrated clearly and with precision. Tommy's fiancé Jane Ashton, who Tommy eventually leaves when he realises, he has to go back to Brigadoon to be with Fiona, was played with real style by Rchael Harvey.

There’s lots for the ensemble to do in Brigadoon and this was a lively group animated in their reactions to what was going on around them. The ensemble singing too was excellent with clear harmonies coming across strongly. The many supporting roles of village characters were very well depicted by all and helped create a real community atmosphere.

The use of back projection creating scenes as in Meg’s bothie was most effective.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable production with well-cast principals and a strong ensemble. The small orchestra was a pleasure to listen to as they played this delightful. score.

Very well done to everyone involved in making this such an entertaining production which was an absolute pleasure to attend.

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