'BrigadoorT captures love's magic

Story by Amanda Martin

R ortendays thetown ofBrigadoon magically appeared in the Lloyd Auditorium at LBC Audiences were taken back to 1783 and the highlands of Scotland on the days of February 22 through 28,and March 1 through 6. The production was a blend of comedy, romance and musical excitement. For the cast, crew and orchestra, recreating the love story of "Brigadoon" became a work of love.

Much of the magic of "Brigadoon" was created months before the production opened. Director David Allison and Musical Director Joan Flewell were determined to make itthe best musical ever staged at the College. This required a good produc- tion team Allison went to work with costume designer Sharon Wheeler and technical director Roger Miller, while Miss Flewellenlisted thehelpofBill Hayden and his talented string ensemble

One of the highlights of "Brigadoon" was the chorus In preceding years LBC musicalsenjoyed a huge chorus of40 to 50 people Thisyear thedecision was made to employ only a select group. Twenty students were finally chosen after hours of consultation by the directors.Members of the chorus were featured as the townspeople of Brigadoon.

"The exciting music and highland choreography were performed brilliantly by the men and women involved in the chorus," Allison said."When you do a musical like 'Brigadoon' a key goal istomake the show look and sound authentic."

Sharon Wheeler had the task ofcreating 35 different costumes. "One thing that really helped the show look authentic was theavailability of the tartan plaid used inScotland, " saidplay director David Allison.

The production staff wanted the show to look.authentic, but they also wanted it tosound authentic. This goal was accomplished with the help of Mary Bell, faculty wifeand a native of Elderslie, Scotland.

This task was undertaken by designer Sharon L. Wheeler and phonetics coach Mary Bell Mary isthewifeofLBC's soccer coach, BillBell;she ispresently a student at LBC Mary's credentials as a Scottish phonetic coach are unquestioned as sheis a bonnie lass from the lowlands ofElderslie, Scotland According to Allison, Mary was a delightforthestudents towork with, and she made a great contribution to the success of the production.

Sharon Wheeler had a formidable task with 35 difficult costumes to design and construct

"The one thing that really helped the show look authentic was theavailabilityof the tartan plaid used in Scotland for the native costumes," said Allison.

Roger Miller,in his first year at LBC as assistantprofessor ofdrama,had thejobof supervising the set construction.Once the basicplanswere laid, seniorAnne Benedict from DeRuyter, N.Y., designed the eight scenic units Together with 13 other students she recreated thetown ofBrigadoon

"One thing Iwanted in this production was someone to play the bagpipes," said Allison "Any decent Scottish musical needs bagpipes. I realized that here on campus there was not only someone talented enough, but someone devoted tohis bagpipes Dr Ralph Mawdsley was a great asset to the production."

Throughout the year, hard-work-and dedication was a household word for each cast member Mark Pyles, a senior from Gallipolis,Ohio; Lois Starr,a senior from Maple Springs, N.Y.; David Jobe,a junior from Barboursville, Va.; Roger Dail,a juniorfrom Irving, Texas;and Dean Young,a senior from Rustburg, Va.,all have put in many hours performing supporting roles in past LBC musicals

"Mark and Lois were very believabletogether They brought romance to the production in the lead roles of Tommy Albright and Fiona McLaren," Allison said

"David Jobe can be very funny and he outdid himself inthe roleof JeffDouglass Roger Dail brought enthusiasm and energy to the role of Charlie Dalrymple Roger's high tenor melodies added tothe romantic themes of the show Young did a greatjob with the difficult role of Mr Lundie, the town schoolmaster," Allison added

One week before the show opened, a student who was to perform the role of Meg Brockie became illand had to withdraw from school Joni Berry, ajunior from Hermosa, S.D.,had been inthe chorus and was given the task of learning the rolein seven days By opening night, nobody would have guessed she was notoriginally cast in the role "Together with Jobe,Berry provided many of the great comic moments in the play," commented Allison

One of the main problems encountered each year in the musical isthe choreography The Division of Fine Arts does not want to offend anyone, yet choreography isan essential part of a musical comedy

Each year the natureand amount of choreography is approved by theadministration. The choreography in"Brigadoon" was taken from the Scottish highland folkdances.

Once theadministration gave its approval,Connie Allison began her work with the chorus."The choreography helped add authenticity and excitement to the production," added Allison.

Both of the directors were of Scottish descent, so producing "Brigadoon" was an exciting event The entire production was a love story proving that, as Mr Lundie said, "When you lovesomeone, anythingis possible — even miracles."