"Brigadoon," show #911

The Lerner and Loewe, Scottish-set, time-travel musical, Brigadoon, is receiving a terrific homage to Golden Age musical authenticity at South Bay Musical Theatre. While most Golden Age musicals lend themselves to some--or much--updating, Brigadoon, much like the show’s plot, is perfectly content to be done as is. With superb direction by Doug Brook and demanding dance numbers choreographed excellently by Esther Selk, this Brigadoon is sure to entertain, with full trust in the cast’s ability to simply do the material with top-level commitment and execution.

(Steve Alhoff (Tommy) and Brenna Silva (Fiona); Photo credit: Dave Lepori)

Steve Alhoff and Brenna Silva lead as Tommy and Fiona, respectively. Their chemistry is as instantly established as the musical demands, and the slow burn exists to allow enjoyment in seeing what choice Tommy will inevitably make. Alhoff’s wonderful baritone is well-suited alongside Silva’s beautiful soprano in a fun “The Heather on the Hill” and dynamite “Almost Like Being in Love.” Act Two’s “There But For You Go I” and “From This Day On” are given more than just vibrant vocals, but a well-explored and nuanced love connection that earns its pauses and poses. Both leads give classic Golden Age presence and delivery while infusing a modern energy and knack for the moments of comedy and romance when called for. 

(Alicia Teeter (Meg), Brenna Silva (Fiona), with cast of Brigadoon upstage; Photo credit: Dave Lepori)

Alicia Teeter is a supporting standout as Meg, the town’s “floosie,” for lack of a better term. But a fun floosie, one who owns it with confidence, consent, and pizazz. Teeter’s performances of “The Love of My Life” and leading of “My Mother’s Weddin’ Day” are romp-tastic and filled with plenty of comedic innuendo, both suggested and blatantly expressed. Teeter’s comedienne sensibilities are in as perfect timbre as her vocal prowess, and makes for a welcome comedic relief. Zack Goller does fine as Tommy’s buddy, Jeff, making the most of the one-liner quips and being the friendly foil to Tommy’s belief in the Brigadoon lore. 

(Downstage Center-Cam Burchard (Charlie), with cast of Brigadoon upstage; Photo credit: Dave Lepori)

Michael Saenz and Adisa Kruayatidee deliver strong dance turns as Harry and Maggie, executing Selk’s balletic, athletic, impressive choreography with consistent command of technique and storytelling. Cam Burchard is a charismatic, utterly alluring Charlie, doing well in his leading of “I’ll Go Home With Bonnie Jean,” with superb support by the ensemble. Tracy Fuller, as Fiona’s sister Jean, serves beautiful balletic turns and gloriously staged dance solos throughout the production, most notably in her duet with Charlie in a stunning “Come to Me, Bend to Me.” Robin Melnick delivers a standout scene as the keeper of Brigadoon lore, Mr Lundie, in one of the longer scenes between songs, and does so with deft acting and natural storyteller’s draw.

(Downstage-Michael Saenz (Harry) and Adisa Kruayatidee (Maggie); Photo credit: Dave Lepori)

Kimily Conkle’s dialect coaching sounds great to the ear, with the Scottish accent being delivered expertly in both scene and song. Edward Hunter’s lighting design illuminates well on Bo Golden’s wonderful set and Don Nguyen’s scenic projections design. Dan Singletary’s sound design is tops in balancing the orchestra--led by Joseph Kelly, who provides excellent musical direction--and the stunning vocals (directed by Rachel Michelberg) by the cast. Brigadoon is not often done, but when it's done with such immaculate cohesivity and commitment to telling the story as earnestly as possible, it is another Golden Age musical audiences of all interests can enjoy. Go see this show!