Odell Public Library Friends invites you to a day in Chicago to see Brigadoon, a classic American musical, on Saturday, July 19, 2014. Tickets are available at Odell Public Library but are limited. The event’s cost is $85 which includes: the matinee ticket, bus transportation and time in the Loop shopping, sightseeing or touring the Chicago Cultural Center. Meals are not included. Checks are payable to Odell Public Library.
“It’s Almost like Being in Love!” The Goodman Theatre of Chicago proudly has announced its summer production of the 1947 musical, Brigadoon, by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe making it the first major revival of the musical in nearly 20 years. Director Rachel Rockwell was handpicked by Liz Lerner, daughter of composer Alan Jay Lerner, to stage this musical fantasy of two Americans stumbling onto a Scottish village lost in time. “We clicked immediately” stated Lerner, “when I realized Rachel understood the magic of the show, the beauty of the songs and how much music was written just for dance sequences.”
“Brigadoon is among the most cherished American musicals with a score that’s been widely recognized as one of the most evocative in musical theater history,” said artistic director Robert Falls. The music includes the songs: “Almost like Being in Love,” “The Heather on the Hill,” “Waitin’ for My Dearie,” and more. The show, at times comic and regretful, was inspired by a European myth and a visit to the Bridge of Doon or Brig o’ Doon by composer Alan Jay Lerner. It offered post-war audiences in a booming America an escape to a colorful, simpler time and place.
Rachel Rockwell, director/choreographer, has been hailed as “a theatrical magician” by the Chicago Sun Times and the “2012 Chicagoan of the Year” by the Chicago Tribune for her recent retooling of great American musicals. This gifted Chicago director and choreographer career’s has been acclaimed for the revolutionary grand-scale revivals of such musicals as “Annie,” “Hair,” “Sound of Music,” and “Miss Saigon.” “It is a great opportunity to revive this beautiful story of faith and the over-riding power of love,” commented Rockwell.
Although Brigadoon has not been produced on Broadway since 1980, it has been done by countless high school theatre departments and amateur productions providing a “six degrees of separation” link among the many people who have “trod the boards.”
In 1972, Anne Frame was named director for the Morrison Music Theatre Association’s Brigadoon. Appearing in that show were Don Miller as Archie Beaton and Paul Engwall as the lost American, Tommy Albright. However, both Don and Paul had done this show before. Don sang the part of Charlie Dalrymple in the University of Colorado’s production in 1955 and Paul had performed the same part in his high school play of 1963.
John Frame was rehearsal accompanist for Illinois Valley Community College’s 1969 staging of Brigadoon and Ned J Nesti was lighting director. Little did they know they would be teaching together for over 30 years in Morrison, Illinois?
Brigadoon again appeared on the Morrison stage in 1987 in the high school creation of the musical directed by John Frame. Kate Huber Klimson played Meg Brockie, the comic relief who “had eyes on her man.”
“Brigadoon is classic American musical that actors, singers and audiences should be exposed to for its lyrical songs that fit the setting,” said Mr. Frame. “It has wonderful melodies, great solos and is so singable,” stated Paul Engwall.
“Brigadoon is a place which appears every 100 years. We all have a desire to disappear for awhile and come back later,” commented Don Miller. “I loved it! It is a wonderful tale of love through the ages,” Kate Huber Klimson.
“So many accolades! So much praise!! Take this opportunity to be a part of a wonderful and timeless musical either for the first time or as a revisit” said Anne Frame. Make your reservation at Odell Public Library for a “trip to Brigadoon.” Reservations are limited.
Back: Paul Engwall, John Frame, Kate Huber Klimson
Front: Anne Frame, Don Miller, Ned J Nesti, Jr.