Date: Fri 08-Aug-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: SHIRLE

Quick Words:

Gateway's-Brigadoon-theatre

Full Text:

(rev "Brigadoon" @Gateway's Candlewood Playhouse, 8/8/97)

Theatre Review-

Come Ye To Gateway's "Brigadoon"

(with cut)

By Howard Fenn

Special To The Newtown Bee

NEW FAIRFIELD - The magical production of the musical Brigadoon opened at

Gateway's Candlewood Playhouse in New Fairfield last Wednesday night. This

addition to the long line of wonderful productions seen at this local jewel

may be the best one yet.

The cast is the most focused one seen to date and the direction and

choreography flow seamlessly from scene to scene with dialogue, song and dance

intertwining without effort.

A hit musical by Lerner & Loewe, Brigadoon magically creates enchantment in

Scotland for two disenchanted Americans lost in the highlands in 1997. But a

quaint town from the year 1797 miraculously appears before them. They (as well

as the audience) are treated to floating mists, twirling colorful Scottish

kilts, beautiful young lads and lasses that dance and sing favorite songs, and

the most important element: love.

On the night this reviewer saw the show, the female lead of Fiona was

portrayed by the understudy, Cassandra McConnell. The decision as to who was

the lead and who was the understudy must have been decided by a coin toss

because one cannot imagine the role being portrayed any better by anyone.

Ms McConnell has a delightful voice with a range that could make any man give

it all up and move to this mythical town. This, combined with a strong

characterization, provided the audience with a Fiona to remember. The great

thing is she was not alone in strong performance, since the rest of the cast

matched her fling by fling.

Playing Tommy Albright, one of the New Yorkers lost in the Highlands on a

hunting trip, is John Schroeder. Mr Schroeder has an easygoing presence and a

pleasant voice that stands out on such tunes as "Heather on the Hill" and

"Almost Like Being in Love," as well as the lesser-known but touching "There

But for You Go I."

He is accompanied by his friend Jeff Douglas, portrayed by Doug Tompos. Mr

Tompos as the comedic character, steps up to the plate tentatively but hits a

home run with excellent timing.

Portraying Mr Tompos' romantic foil is Whitney Webster, who as Meg Brockie

sings with a crispness which enables viewers to understand every word of her

fast-moving comedy songs including "My Mother's Wedding Day," which has enough

names beginning with "Mac" to fill an orchard. Ms Webster also has wonderful

timing in her spoken scenes, especially one with Mr Tompos.

Which brings us to Timothy Johnson, who has the task of singing one of the

show's most difficult ballads, "Come to Me, Bend to Me." This number is

beautiful but can be dragged down if too syrupy.

Mr Johnson delivers a beautiful interpretation that had a filled theatre

totally engaged. If this were not enough, after the vocal portion, the object

of his affection, his future wife Jean, continues the mood without break with

a danced response reflecting the wide breadth of her emotions, leaving home

for her new life. In the role of Jean, Julie Megan Smith touches the

audience's heart with her performance.

While on the subject of dance, two roles express themselves only in dance. The

first is the spurned suitor Harry Beaton, portrayed by Clete Larkey. Mr Larkey

plays the dark and brooding Beaton very well, but is truly in his element with

dance - be it the twirling sword dance or just dancing a simple fling.

The other role using dance as its character expression is Maggie Anderson, who

is portrayed by Erin Bellard. Ms Bellard performs a dance accompanied by a

bagpiper with so much emotional outpouring the audience sat entranced.

If these performances were not enough, the cast which supported them all was

remarkable in maintaining their characters, performing wonderfully and always

moving the audience with them to where the focus should be at any given time.

Not only individually excellent, but Brigadoon offers the best ensemble work

seen in a long time.

I have always loved this show and figured at the very least I would be

entertained. I am happy to say I was transported to a distant land, with a

mystical town where one could stay a lifetime. See Brigadoon.

Brigadoon runs through August 16 at Gateway's, in the center of New Fairfield.

Ticket prices range from $21 to $33 for show only. Dinner/theatre packages are

available for all shows. Call the box office at 746-4441.