Ned J. Nesti, Jr. submitted this press release.
The Odell Pubic Library Friends is sponsoring a day trip to a matinee performance of the classic Lerner and Loewe musical, “Brigadoon,” at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, IL, on Saturday, July, 19, 2014. Friends of the Odell Public Library was able to secure 30 center mezzanine seats for the two-month engagement, which is almost sold out.
“Brigadoon” is a based on the book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe. It is the story of New Yorkers Tommy Albright and Jeff Douglas, who become lost in the Scottish highlands while on a hunting trip. They stumble across the mythical village of Brigadoon, which appears every 100 years. According to legend, a person can only remain in Brigadoon if they fall in love, and they may not leave or Brigadoon will disappear. Tommy meets Fiona at the wedding celebration of her younger sister. At the end of the day, he must make a decision whether to stay with his Fiona or leave forever.
In addition to seeing “Brigadoon,” participants will have two hours before the performance to
- shop in The Loop
- take a 45-minute tour of the Chicago Cultural Center
- or use the time to plan their own activities.
Lunch will be on your own; a list of Loop restaurants will be available.
Cost for the trip is $85 which includes deluxe motor coach transportation, orientation meeting and preparation materials, center mezzanine seating for the Saturday, July 19, 2:00 p.m. matinee performance of “Brigadoon,” and pre-theatre Loop Shopping or Chicago Cultural Center Tour. Not included are lunch and dinner. On the drive home the coach bus will stop for a leisurely dinner (on your own, off the menu) at The White Chocolate Grill in Naperville, IL.
Reservations are secured on a first come, first serve basis. To sign up, or for a detailed itinerary, visit the Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL, or call 815-772-7323.
About the Director
The production is being directed by Rachael Rockwell, who was handpicked by Liza Lerner– daughter of Alan Jay Lerner–to stage the Goodman “Brigadoon” revival. Ms. Rockwell’s production is expected to be a creative, fresh interpretation of the classic. The story won’t be changed, but some of the dialogue will be updated–making it a little earthier and sexier–and the choreography will be new and innovative. The Goodman Theatre’s adaptation is the first major theatrical revival of “Brigadoon” in two decades. This adaptation could be New York-bound. Over the years, many Broadway productions have started at the Goodman.
“Brigadoon” is Rachel Rockwell’s Goodman Theatre directing and choreographing debut. Rockwell was named “Best Director” in 2010 by Chicago Magazine and “Chicagoan of the Year: Theater 2012” by the Chicago Tribune. She has also appeared on Broadway in “Mamma Mia!” and performed in the national tours of “Mamma Mia!” and “Showboat.”
About the Theatre
A major force in Chicago theatre, the Goodman Theatre is one of the oldest, currently-active, nonprofit professional theater organizations in the city. It was established in 1925 to honor Chicago playwright Kenneth Goodman. The theatre was adjacent to the Art Institute of Chicago, in what is now the Modern Wing. In 2000, having outgrown the AIC location, the Goodman moved into the present North Loop Theatre District, occupying the landmark Harris and Selwyn Theaters property.
“Brigadoon” will be performed in the state-of-the-art Albert Ivar Goodman Theatre–the grand, 856-seat proscenium space that houses the Goodman’s main stage productions. The theater has a removable center stage floor and towering fly space, allowing the Albert to accommodate works on a scale that few other theaters in the country can achieve.
The Goodman has received the Special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre and has a won numerous Joseph Jefferson Awards. It is internationally recognized for its artists, productions, educational programs, and its commitment to producing classic and contemporary works by a wide range of artists and visions.