Goodman Theatre presents BRIGADOON.
I grew up watching and re-watching the mystical musical “Brigadoon.” The 1954 film starring Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse made me believe in the power of love. When I saw last night’s show, I already knew the plot and most of the songs. The plot is contrived. Some might even say corny. In the Goodman production, Brian Hill has revised the original book by Alan Jay Lerner. Hill’s additions attempt to add more substance. He focuses on what makes people chase a fairytale. He adds a layer of depth with war references, loneliness epiphanies and marrying money. It works…somewhat. Yet, it’s impossible to add logic to an illogical plot. BRIGADOON is an adult fairytale. If you let go of needing to make sense of it, you will be fully charmed by this Scottish fable.
Director and choreographer Rachel Rockwell orchestrates a colorful and high-spirited visit to The Highlands. Rockwell creates a bright fusion of ballet meets folk dancing. The enthusiastic groom-to-be Jordan Brown (Charlie) leads a playful jig in “Go home with Bonnie Jean.” The snappy tune turns the town square into a flash mob of merriment. Later, Brown has a tender and seductive twirl with his bride Olivia Renteria (Jean). The beautifully torn Renteria dances out her marital uncertainty. Her movements start out burdened in regret. During the sequence, her steps quicken. Her dance takes on a lively fervor. We feel her innocence and her hope.
Rockwell continually paces the action by speeding it up and slowing it down for emotional impact. In the wedding scene, the large and talented ensemble dons various family kilts (costume designer Mara Blumenfeld) for a majestic and at the same time homey aesthetic. The clans solemnly march into place. Next, they are enthusiastically drinking and dancing. The peppy amusement is interrupted by a sobering act. Slow, fast, stop!
Then Rockwell speeds it up again. She successfully navigates a riveting chase scene aided by designers: Kevin Depinet (set), Aaron Spivey (light), Shawn Sagady (projections) and Garth Helm (sound). The ensemble scurries through the forest in search of a renegade. They are darting in and out of this curtain of translucent strips. Depinet effectively uses minimalistic scenery. He has shapes represent a house or mountains. In this scene, Sagady projects on these dangling shimmers and also on Depinet’s mountain cutouts behind them. The full look is like a diorama that Rockwell fills with male-driven chaos. The hunt ends abruptly. Rockwell again impressively changes the tone by slamming on the breaks.
At the heart of the show is the romance between the charming Kevin Earley (Tommy) and determined Jennie Sophia (Fiona). Earley and Sophia sing a perfect duet. They start their courtship with “Heather on the Hillside.” And then they move into “It’s almost like being in love.” No, it’s not ‘almost like being in.’ The audience is most definitely in love with this coupling. Bringing ongoing humor is the droll Rod Thomas (Jeff) and spunky Maggie Portman (Meg). Thomas continually nails his deadpan zingers. Portman unabashedly goes after men with hilarious results.
If you love the movie, you’ll love this play. If you’re in the mood for an easy summer romance, Goodman knows the way to your heart. If you need to escape reality with a little enchantment, go to BRIGADOON.
Brigadoon, Brigadoon,
Blooming under sable skies.
Brigadoon, Brigadoon,
There my heart forever lies.
Let the world grow cold around us,
Let the heavens cry above!
Brigadoon, Brigadoon,
In thy valley, there’ll be love!
Running Time: Two hours and twenty minutes includes in intermission
At Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn
Book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner
Music by Frederick Loewe
Revised by Brian Hill
Directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell
Musical direction and additional vocal and instrumental arrangements by Roberta Duchak
At 7:30 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays
(no 7:30 performances on July 22nd, 27th or 29th)
At 8pm on Fridays, Saturdays
At 2pm on Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays
(no 2pm performances on July 12th or 31st)
EXTENDED Thru August 17th
Buy Tickets at www.goodmantheatre.org
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