THEATER REVIEW: ‘Brigadoon’ at Ohio Light Opera in Wooster

Brigadoon

Thru Fri 8/7

Brigadoon is pure romance, with a bit of fantasy woven through it. It was an early example of time travel, but to be presented on stage with live people must have offered a huge challenge to stage technicians in 1947. Having a musical score written by Frederick Loewe with book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner was certainly no great hindrance, either, even if they hadn’t yet made their mark on Broadway.

With songs like “Waitin’ for My Dearie,”” Come to Me, Bend to Me” and “Almost Like Being in Love,” how could it have failed? Of course it didn’t. Brigadoon opened the Ohio Light Opera 2015 season on Saturday evening 6/13, and will run in repertory through 8/7

The fantasy derives from a hunting trip by two New Yorkers — Tommy (baritone Nathan Brian) and his friend Jeff Douglas (the dashing baritone Brad Baron). They get lost in the wilds of Scotland and stumble over the village of Brigadoon that exists on no maps. The reason for this is a once-upon-a-time “miracle” that allows the village to come to life only one day every hundred years. Only true unending love can affect this miracle. Jeff wants to go back home, but having fallen in love with Fiona (soprano Katherine Polit), Tommy is reluctant. After hearing the explanation of the “miracle” by Mr. Lundie, the village schoolmaster (wonderfully portrayed by Ted Christopher) the two vow to depart. However, if any of the natives leave, the village will disappear.

It doesn’t take long after arriving back in New York before Tommy knows he has to go back to Scotland. Jeff is hesitant, primarily because of “mad” Meg Brockie, the village witch, exuberantly brought to life by Olivia Maughan. Joyfully Tommy and Fiona are reunited. And the others? Well . . . Go see for yourself!

Stage director Jacob Allen and choreographer Carol Hageman have contrived a bright, fast-moving, emotion-packed rendition of this 68-year-old staple of lyric theater that will have you humming as you leave the theater. Of course, the lead singers played a huge role in casting this highly satisfying magic spell. The musicals of Lerner and Loewe require voices that are equally at home in opera or on Broadway. That is not a problem for OLO.

Nathan Brian as Tommy Albright has to be the epitome of romantic hero, tall and handsome with a gorgeous voice that can croon softly or fill the house with sumptuous sound. His Fiona was enhanced by the presence of Polit, making her OLO debut this season. Her younger sister Jean (soprano Emily Hagens) is engaged to the winsome Charlie Dalrymple of tenor Stephen Faulk. He is the lucky (and talented) soul who gets the privilege of singing “I’ll Go Home with Bonnie Jean.” There cannot have been a dry eye at the end of his thrilling rendition.

Brigadoonsmall

The stage was awash with plaids of all descriptions fashioned into charming costumes by Charlene Gross. The multi-purpose set was designed by Michael Benson, and the evocative lighting by Erich Keil.

J. Lynn Thompson led the marvelous orchestra (they get better every year!) and kept the pace at a proper cadence. There was even a bagpiper in residence during the village fair in the second act: Victor Welsch.

For ticket information, visit the Ohio Light Opera website or call the box office at 330.263.2345.

Wooster is about 75 miles slightly southwest of Cleveland, and easily accessible by I-71. (If you plan to take 585 south from Route 21, be advised portions of it are closed, but detours are clearly marked.)

For an additional treat, to read more about and hear clips of some of the music for each of the scheduled shows, go here.

ohiolightopera.org

[Written by Kelly Ferjutz]

Wooster, OH 44691

 

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