Despite a few weak spots, the Springs community theatre production is generally a strong one.

First Company Theatre, now in its 38^th season in Colorado Springs, has mounted an ambitious production of Brigadoon, the 1947 Broadway classic by Lerner and Lowe.

The musical’s story is a fantasy, with two Americans, Tommy Albright (Timothy Douma) and Jeff Douglas (Zachary Engelman), having gotten lost on their walking holiday in Scotland. They stumble into a picturesque village, Brigadoon, not on any map. Charming villagers, dressed and living in a style two centuries in the past, welcome them.

The bewildered pair soon discover that the town lies under a spell: It only appears out of the mists and its denizens only wake up once every 100 years. In the course of one enchanted day, Tommy falls in love with one of the villagers, Fiona (Eleanor Wingert). But he wonders if he can give up everything to stay with her in Brigadoon.

Paula West directs a well-oiled production. The cast is well-rehearsed and there is some strong vocal and dancing talent on display. The Scottish brogues were convincing.

An ensemble chorus, consistently one of the strongest aspects of the production, opened the show. Assembled at the back of the auditorium, their entrancing harmonies immediately created an otherworldly atmosphere.

The soloists generally had strong voices and Wingert has a sublime soprano voice. Some of the cast were overpowered by the instrumental ensemble, however. Some lyrics got lost, making it hard to get the most from the songs.

Ford Tackett contributed some excellent choreography that inventively drew on highlands folk dancing. One of the more successful dances came to the tune, “I’ll Go Home with Bonnie Jean.” The cast started with a lively rendition. Yet this number, like other dance numbers, eventually dragged. No one was missing a step or moving inelegantly but it seemed to plod.

Part this may be attributed to the musical ensemble. The instrumentalists occasionally struggled, and there was more than one ragged passage. At any rate, the production numbers seemed long and didn’t always convey the sprightly feeling the script and tunes clearly aim for.

Supporting cast

Some of the strongest cast performances came from supporting players. Olivia Newman played Meg Brockie, the village flirt, with gusto, enlivening every scene she was in. Nathan Rytting brought convincing fury and pathos to the role of the tragic Harry Beaton. Rytting soloed to great effect in an ominous dance with swords. Maleah Douma made the most of her brief time in the spotlight, dancing and responding to a great loss with affecting grief.

The costumes, by Lydia Mosley, were excellent. Kitty Robbins’ lighting design captured the mood of a sudden thunderstorm as well as a spooky night on the moors.

First Company Theatre productions are housed in the First United Methodist Church on north Nevada. The theatre space is superior to what many community companies must settle for, boasting a sizable stage, a large, well-appointed seating area and sophisticated sound and lighting.

Artistic Director Marty Fennewald, one of the company’s co-founders, emphasizes that First Company is self-funded by ticket sales and sponsors. The company’s finances are independent of First United Methodist and cast and crew are drawn from around the region.

This production group had clearly worked hard, and the result is an enjoyable, family-friendly show. First Company deserves greater notice among theatregoers in the Colorado Springs area.

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