BRIGADOON

LOVELAND OPERA THEATRE     

Now at the Rialto Theatre in Loveland OCTOBER 14 – 23

 

     With book and lyrics by Alan J. Lerner and music by Frederick Lowe, Brigadoon opened on Broadway in 1947. It won the Drama Critics Award for Best Musical of the Year and became a film starring Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse in 1954. (This musical was the first big hit by Lerner and Lowe, soon to be followed by “Paint Your Wagon,” “My Fair Lady” and “Camelot.”)

      The mysterious Scottish village of Brigadoon only appears for one day every hundred years. So, when Tommy Albright, a tourist from New York City, stumbles upon it and falls in love with one of the lassies named Fiona, how can things work out?  

     Nathan Snyder’s vocals in the role of Tommy Albright are Magnificent! His “Almost Like Being in Love,” is worth the price of admission all on its own!!! 

     As Fiona, Bella Mallow’s duets with Snyder astound!!! This Diva’s voice is a soaring soprano that makes “The Heather on the Hill,” “Almost Like Being in Love,” and “From this Day On,” unforgettable. 

     In the role of Charlie Dalrymple, Seth Riley’s singing of “Go Home with Bonnie Jean” is exhilarating! His rendition of “Come to Me, Bend to Me,” is poignant indeed!

     Emily Morris’ delicious singing in the role of Meg Brockle makes “The Love of My Life” and “My Mother’s Wedding Day” sparkle with an injection of superb comic timing and infectious joie de vivre.

     As Harry Beaton, Zach Waltz provides the dark tension needed for the conflict in this tale.

     Solomon Abell charms as Tommy’s cynical hunting buddy, Jeff.

     Robert Hoch’s a thoroughly amiable Mr. Lundie.

     Director Timothy Kennedy has cast the show impeccably. His ability to direct the onstage traffic of the 40-person cast in this intimate playing space is so incredibly efficient, it’s mind-blowing. 

     Brilliant use of a fragmentary set design and truly mystical lighting are courtesy of Peter F. Muller. 

     Davis Sibley’s costume design is spot on.

     Rachael Lessard’s choreography of the original dances created by Agnes DeMille is thrilling.  Both the Funeral Dance and the Sword Dance will take your breath away.

Under the baton of conductor Nicholas Gilmore, the Loveland Opera Theatre orchestra sounded divine!

       Christine Kahane’s work as Dialect Coach for these actor/singers, blesses our ears with the authentic sound of the Scottish brogue, adding immeasurably to our enjoyment of this classic.

     In the funeral scene, the requisite bagpipe played by Karl Brown, makes the chest heave and the eye well up.

   It’s well worth the drive up to Loveland. Go and indulge yourself.

 

For tickets go online at: Lovelandopera.org