The Porthouse Theatre’s production of ‘Brigadoon’ is BONNIE!

Brigadoon...just the mere mention of the name evokes thoughts of peace, happiness, romance, laughter and tradition. The musical by Alan Jay Lerner (book and lyrics) and Frederick Loewe (score) hit the Broadway stage in 1947 running for 581 performances. The movie which has been seen by “everyone” stars Gene Kelly, Van Johnson and Cyd Charisse came out in 1954. This was followed by loads of community theaters hopping on the cart.

Tommy Albright (Matt Gittins) and his best friend Jeff Douglas (Chris Richards) are touring the Scottish Highlands on a hunting trip in order to escape the pressures of New York City. Tommy is engaged but is having problems convincing himself that that is the right course for his life. While wondering the Scottish landscape the two become lost. Looking at the map they guess approximately where they are in relationship to other towns. It is then they hear the lilting song of “Brigadoon” coming from a small village that suddenly appears out of the mist but is not listed on the map.

There is a fair in progress as the citizens sing and dance to “McConnachy Square” as Tommy and Jeff enter the village asking where they are. Everyone is excited about the upcoming wedding of Charlie Dalrymple (Dallas Craig) and Jean MacLaren (Parker Lamy) set for that evening. We are introduced to Harry Beaton (Erikkson Peyton recipient of the 2026 Dr. Roy Berko Endowed Commemorative Scholarship) who holds a torch for Jean and is unhappy with his live in the village.

Soon, Tommy falls in love with Jean’s sister, Fiona MacLaren (Miriam Henkel-Moellmann) and Jeff hooks up with a very enthusiastic Meg Brockie (Gannon Hollar). As this all unfolds a list of various songs ensue including “Waitin’ for My Dearie”, “I’ll Go Home with Bonnie Jean”, “The Heather on the Hill”, and “Almost Like Being in Love” among others. At the wedding Harry gets upset and threatens to leave which would force Brigadoon to disappear forever.

You pretty much can not go wrong with a musical penned by Lerner and Loewe. The cast of present and past Kent State Musical Theater Majors students and faculty really know how to belt out the lines in Broadway style. The choreography under the direction of Martin Céspedeŝ is brilliant and energetic (it is rumored that Martin wore a kilt during rehearsals to get into the Scottish mood). The show is smartly directed by Terri J. Kent who combines whimsy, romance, tragedy and farce into a fast paced ride.

Jennifer Korecki handles the music direction with a 7+ member orchestra that does a fine job on the well known music. Sarah D’Anella does a remarkable outfitting of the cast giving an air of authenticity that is vital to sell the show. Tony Hardin’s castle walls scenic design is functional as well as authentic. The only complaint I had with the show was with the dialogue. There is Scottish, then there is SCOTTISH! This show leans heavily on the latter to the point that a lot of the spoken and sung words could not be clearly understood by the audience members due to the thick brogue. They need to tone it down a wee bit as they would say.

As for the cast, they are phenomenal. The show begins musically with the sprightly “Down in MacConnachy Square” with all kinds of dancing, singing and shenanigans. Everyone seems to really be enjoying themselves. Dallas Craig as Charlie stops the show with his fine rendition of “I’ll Go Home with Bonnie Jean” or as he sings it “I’LLLLLLL GO HOME WITH BONNIE JEAN!”. Matt Gittins as Tommy is involved with six numbers and does an admirable job with each. His duet with Miriam Henkel-Moellmann as Fiona singing “Almost Like Being in Love” had couples in the seats scrunching tighter together and holding hands. Greg Violand as Andrew MacLaren, Elaijah as Angus MacGuffie, Rohn Thomas as Mr. Lundie and Tim Culver as Archie Beaton take on the older mature roles with aplumb.

During the funeral scene Emmaline Seibert as Harry’s spurned lover, Maggie Anderson does a highly emotional interpretive dance of sorrow that unleashed a lot of tears from the patrons. Gannon Hollar as the irrepressible Meg Brockie belts out a couple of comical numbers with spirit. A huge shout out to bagpiper Ian Crane who soloed during the funeral scene (adding more depth than words could convey) and also played as people exited the venue. Well done lad.

Trust me...as you are exiting the Porthouse Theater venue following “Brigadoon” you will find yourself humming, singing and or whistling a number of songs from the show. It is simply that good and that good feeling will carry forward all the way home. With a little work on toning down the dialect we have a major hit on our hands.

The Porthouse Theatre production of “Brigadoon” will be on stage at the theater located on the grounds of Blossom Music Center through August 9, 2026. For more information and tickets go to www.porthousetheatre.com or call (330) 672-3884.