OLO's production of 'Brigadoon' brings Broadway charm to Wooster

Be advised: No matter who you attend the Ohio Light Opera’s production of “Brigadoon” with, you are likely to want to “go home with Bonnie Jean!” The Lerner and Loewe musical is on stage now at Wooster’s version of Broadway — Freedlander Theater on The College of Wooster campus.

The show first opened on Broadway at the Ziegfeld Theater in 1947. It was the third collaboration of Alan J. Lerner and Frederick Loewe after the two had a chance meeting in New York City. “Brigadoon” was their first hit.

The story takes place primarily in the Scottish Highlands. The simple and delightfully effective set is perfect for the magical story of a town that appears only one day every 100 years, appearing and disappearing in a mysterious mist. And wouldn’t you know it? Two American travelers get lost in the very same Highlands on the very same day Brigadoon appears. The rest is, of course, a musical theater love story.

The residents of Brigadoon bring delightful brogues to their dialogue and singing — no easy feat. The OLO orchestra is exquisite as always, paving the way seamlessly for the performers. The music moves from being playful at times to driving the scene in the second act’s intense chase. And, in true Scottish fashion, there is an onstage cameo by a bagpiper.

The dancers are delightful as they move through styles such as dancing the lightness of ballet-inspired moves, then slipping into the playfulness of the fun choreography of the bridal packing scene. And the men bring it home with the wedding’s sword dance.

The memory scene after the return to New York City is wonderfully staged — poignant with a touch of humor — as Tommy fades in and out of his reminiscences. Just as in Brigadoon itself, this OLO production proves it takes a village — everyone from sound and set design to electricians, costumes, music, dance and the exquisite voices of the cast — to make magic.

Who doesn’t need a couple hours of being swept away into a musical, magical adventure? It’s always good to remember that “it’s the hardest thing in the world to give everything, and the only way to get anything,” and, of course, as “Brigadoon” proves — “if you love someone deeply, anything is possible … even miracles.”

For more information regarding the OLO’s 2025 season and to purchase tickets, go to www.ohiolightopera.org. The box office is located at Freedlander Theater, 329 E. University St., Wooster, and is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 12:30-4 p.m. (hours are in effect through Aug. 3).

Editor's note: The above is a review of the Ohio Light Opera’s production of “Brigadoon.”