Musical revelry, the power of enduring love, and magic beyond the imagination take centre stage at the Drayton Festival Theatre later this month when Lerner & Loewe’s fantasy, Brigadoon, launches the fall season.
With music and an unforgettable story, Brigadoon takes audiences to the Scottish Highlands from Sept. 15 to Oct. 10.
“Brigadoon is a romantic and uplifting musical that has thrilled audiences the world over since it premiered on Broadway in 1947, said Drayton Entertainment’s artistic director Alex Mustakas. “It blends a whimsical theme with a powerful message, making it a delightful show for theatregoers of all ages.”
While travelling across the rugged hills of Scotland’s north, two weary Americans become lost in the mist of the moors, only to stumble upon a mysterious village that does not appear on any map, but magically appears for only one day every 100 years.
However, to the villagers, living there the passing of each century seems no longer than one night.
Enraptured by their charms, the arrival of the American tourists has serious implications for the villagers. The men are subsequently confronted with the ultimate choice: will they return to the harsh, unsatisfying world of what is familiar, or remain in the magical realm of Brigadoon?
From Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, the separation of space and time in the story of Brigadoon inspires the audience to embrace the simplicity in everyday life. the songs include Almost Like Being in Love, The Heather on the Hill, and From This Day On.
The cast is under the direction of Brian McKay. He starred in the 2008 production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which had a 22-week North American tour.
Choreographer Gino Berti, of Country Legends, among other Drayton smash-hits, works his magic with Agnes de Mille’s original Tony award-winning choreography.
The production stars Leah Oster, from Blue Champagne earlier this season and as Marion the Librarian in the Stratford Festival’s 2008 production of The Music Man, working with leading man Paul McQuillan. He has a resume full of Drayton Entertainment credits, including Blood Brothers, Over The River and Through the Woods, and See How They Run from earlier this summer.
The cast features Stephen Patterson (Che from Evita) Karen Coughlin (Country Legends), veteran actors Douglas Chamberlain, Victor Roberts, and Sarah Harries.
Michelle Black, Rachel Crowther, Ryan Gifford, Christina Gordon, Chad McFadden, David Talbot, Mike Tracz, Geoffrey Tyler, Matt Wagman, Heather Wilson and Barrie Wood round out the ensemble cast.
Brigadoon plays eight shows a week through Oct. 10. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Drayton Festival Theatre Box Office at 519-638-5555 or toll free at 1-888-449-4463. For more information please visit www.draytonfestivaltheatre.com.
