BRIGADOON
Fantasy, Romance and Music emerge from the Scottish Mist
April 28 - May 20 at ACT
AURORA, OHIO ---- The romantic musical fantasy, BRIGADOON, opens at Aurora Community Theatre April 28, continuing at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through May 20 with two Sunday matinees 3 p.m. May 7 and 14 at the theatre, 115 E. Pioneer Trail.
This beloved musical with book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe is set in the Scottish Highlands where Brigadoon, a mysterious village, appears from the mist for just one day every 100 years.
Dustin Oliver directs the delightful tale about love that transcends time. Tim Shaffer serves as music director, with choreography by Julianne Kuchcinski and Sarah Kuchcinski. D. Keith Stiver takes on the double duties of producer and accompanist.
The story revolves around Tommy Albright, played by Ron Davis, and Jeff Douglas, performed by Sam Kitzler, two somewhat jaded, young American businessmen. Lost on a game-hunting holiday in Scotland, Tommy and Jeff are drawn to the lively music of a country fair underway in Brigadoon. There the travelers meet the MacLaren family, headed by Andrew (Bernie Keister), who are preparing for the wedding of daughter, Jean (Shelby Carlisle) to Charlie Dalrymple (Kevin Rabbits). Tommy quickly catches the eye of MacLaren’s daughter Fiona, performed by Emily Zart.
Rollin DeVere plays Mr. Lundie, who explains the myth of Brigadoon. To maintain its innocent charm and protect it from the outside world, 200 years ago the local minister prayed to God to have the town disappear and only to reappear for one day every 100 years. All citizens of Brigadoon are forbidden to leave the town, or it will disappear forever.
The cast of townspeople includes: Stephen Bundy (Angus MacGuffie), Dennis Dumont (Archie Beaton), Sarah Kuchcinski (Maggie), Michaela Bennett (Fishmonger), Tyler Harding (Harry Beaton), JB Miller (Jane Ashton), Elyse Mulvaney (Kate), David Rusnak (MacGregor), Shannon Eller (Meg Brockie), Neil Rubin (Sandy Dean), Tom Horsfall (Stuart Dalrymple), and Rollin DeVere (Frank).
Actors in the ensemble include: Stephen Bundy, Dennis Dumont, Julianne Kuchcinski, Sarah Kuchcinski, Katie Hintze, Liz Fuller, Michaela Bennett, JB Miller, David Rusnak, Neil Rubin, Tom Horsfall, Elyse Mulvaney, and Bernie Keister.
Ann Nyenhuis serves as stage manager with Jim Eller, assistant stage manager. Rachel Veeneman designed the costumes and Deb Malcolm, the lighting. Maggie Hamilton oversees sound, while Marc C. Howard is liaison to the ACT Board of Trustees.
Nyenhuis also oversaw the set construction crew of Neil Rubin, Joe Mira, Marty Pekarcik, Dave Nyenhuis, Andrew Gordon, Jim Eller, April Sike, Sarah Kuchcinski, and Jerry Schaber.
Brigadoon highlights traditional Celtic dance and music with cameo performances featuring sword dancing by Stephen Bundy and bagpipes by Jesse Tucker.
The live orchestra includes music director, Tim Shaffer, who will also play trumpet, with Jonathan Skip Edwards (Bass), Marianne Paul (Cello), Debbie Bodkin (Clarinet), Michelle Worthing (Flute), Lisa Kay Muth (F horn), Josiah Dyck (Oboe), Scott Shaughnessy (Percussion) Heather Kovach (Violin) and D. Keith Stiver (Keyboard).
Lerner and Loewe’s BRIGADOON is presented by arrangement with TAMS-WITMARK MUSIC LIBRARY, INC.560 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022.
Tickets at $16 for adults, $11 for youth 18 and under, are available online, including seat selection, at www.auroracommmunitytheatre.com, or call the box office at 330-562-1818. Group discounts are available by calling the box office.
Opening night tickets include a complimentary after-show gala and the opportunity to meet cast and crew.
Aurora Community Theatre is located at 115 E. Pioneer Trail, near the intersection of SR 43 and 306, at the gazebo, in the center of Aurora. ACT extends appreciation to The Denise G. & Norman E. Wells, Jr. Family Foundation for their generous underwriting of the Wells Main Stage.
ACT, celebrating 57 successful seasons in 2016-17, annually presents three Regular Season shows, a summer stock production, benefit show, plus two children’s summer workshops, reaching an annual audience of nearly 7,000. ACT showcases the region’s top actors, musicians, costume and set designers, construction, lighting, sound and backstage crews -- all of whom generously donate their time and talent.