Beautiful choreography drives a strong production of ‘Brigadoon’
What a treat it was to attend Candlelight Dinner Playhouse’s matinee performance of Lerner and Loewe’s Brigadoon. Directed by Steve Wargo and spectacularly choreographed by Shawna Walker, Brigadoon makes getting lost in the Scottish Highlands just dreamy.
New York pals Tommy (Scott Hurst Jr.) and Jeff (Chas Lederer) find themselves off track during a hunting trip in Scotland. When they hear singing, they assume they can’t be all that astray. Heading toward the music in the hopes of getting directions back to their inn to be on their way, they stumble upon a village that isn’t anywhere on their map. And that’s not the only strange thing about this bygone little haven.
The two friends find the town as it is preparing for a wedding. Spirits are high as the community gathers in the square. When the older sister of the bride, Fiona (Sara Kowalski) is asked when she, too, will be getting married, she responds in a song that just might become my new anthem. With a euphonious voice that is both delicate and commanding, Kowalski sings “Waiting for my Dearie” and explains why she is in no hurry to settle or settle down.
Of course, isn’t that exactly what one says right before falling in love? Brigadoon is nothing if not a love story and Tommy and Fiona have just one day to meet, fall in love, and prove that love. With a touch of magical realism in the postponement of a miracle in a town that awakens to the world only once every one hundred years, Tommy must make a decision. But he’s had cold feet once already.
Against a simple background of Scottish hills and mist, the town of Brigadoon celebrates love and renewal in kilts and tartans with songs and dance. The big ensemble cast adds to the excitement of the choreography. With more ballet moves than I expected (I’m not sure I expected any), I was enthralled by the graceful, classical movements of both the female and male actors.
One outstanding dancer who I couldn’t take my eyes off, and who had quite a few solo dances, was Cory Klements. He plays Harry, the disgruntled ex-lover of the bride, and you can feel his heartache in every leap and spin.
With such famous and familiar songs as “Almost Like Being in Love” and “The Heather on the Hill” (made famous from the movie version of Brigadoon starring Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse), guests all around me were softly singing right along with the actors. It made everything feel intimate and inviting and found me questioning how it was I’d never seen either the movie or musical before.
Indeed, viewing this performance for the first time makes me sad that I’ll never get to see it for the first time again. Especially when the director and choreographer made it such a magical performance with a cast each made for their roles and choreography filled with passion and heart. Don’t miss your chance to see Brigadoon at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse — and bring some tissues!
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