Brigadoon
at St. Paul VI Catholic High School

Reviewed on April 6, 2019

Julia Tucker
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

A pair of American tourists stumble waywardly through a lush green forest in the rolling hills of Scotland. After consulting a tattered map, they determine their location: nowhere. A faint chorus of voices in the distance followed by a 100 year-long night. Journey with St. Paul VI Catholic High School as they recite a tale of adventure, community, and love in their magnificent production of Brigadoon.

Brigadoon was written in 1947 by Alan Jay Lerner and features music composed by Fredrick Loewe. The original Broadway run lasted for 581 performances and was so well-received it was transposed into a movie in 1954. Brigadoon follows the story of two Americans who stumble into a village that only exists for one day every 100 years. When one of the New Yorkers falls in love with a village girl, he must decide if he should stay with his love and leave his former life forever, or return to his world but leave his one true love behind.

The ensemble performed as a cohesive and entertaining unit. They were constantly engaged in the action and were brimming with energy and excitement. Individual members developed unique characters and were consistently seen acting in character. All actors and actresses used convincing Scottish accents which helped immerse the audience in the story.

Starring as the lovestruck New Yorker was Nick Burgos as Tommy Albright. The Scottish village girl, Fiona MacLaren, was played by Emma Hitchcock. Burgos and Hitchcock beautifully developed their relationship in songs like "The Heather On The Hill" and "Almost Like Being In Love." Both performers utilized sweet vibrato and strong diction to enhance their singing.

With multiple small plotlines and plenty of characters, Brigadoon could be a difficult show to understand. Luckily, the Paul VI players made it easy for the audience to comprehend the vast plot by defining every role they embodied as unique and memorable. American tourist Jeff Douglas was hilariously played by Jak Ketron. Ketron maintained a strong comedic presence by utilizing facial expressions and vocal variation to heighten the comedy of every joke. Caitlin Fernandez, as Meg Brockie, amazed the audience with her powerful vocals in the song "My Mother's Weddin' Day." Fernandez sang with ease and acted through her singing to make every word hilarious. Maddie Mangilit, as Jean MacLaren, flaunted her dancing ability in the heartwarming number "Come to Me, Bend to Me." Mangilit had clean and crisp movements and danced everything from Celtic dance to ballet.

To create the atmosphere of a land untouched by time the Paul VI sound head Rosemary Ketron included nature ambient effects such as crickets and birds. This creative sound design blended seamlessly with the production and enhanced the environment of the show. The lighting, designed by Jon Greene, shifted as the time of day changed, going from a bright daytime to a calming sunset. Hair and makeup head Allison Fentress crafted intricate updo's that were beautiful to look at.

Filled with enchanting vocals, exciting dancing, and a beautiful love story, St. Paul VI Catholic High School constructed a remarkable rendition of the heartwarming musical, Brigadoon.

Mithra Dhinakaran
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

Step into the idyllic Scottish town of Brigadoon and for each day, shave off a hundred years of reality. While it may seem a steep price, it's one the townspeople regard as a blessing, as they cherish their lives protected from external threats. Full of heart-fluttering moments and whimsical charm, St. Paul VI Catholic High School's production of Brigadoon carried everyone away.

Brigadoon opened on Broadway in 1947, with a book and lyrics written by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe. According to myth, the eponymous town appears only once every century in the Scottish Highlands. On one such day, Tommy and Jeff, two American travelers, stumble across the quaint town. While the comically aloof Jeff is immune to Brigadoon's charm, bright-eyed Tommy falls in love with one of its inhabitants, Fiona. With other romances stirring the air, the characters must decide what they value most, the sanctity of their love, the town, or the real world.

Chin up with cheery smiles, Emma Hitchcock portrayed Fiona with grace and aplomb. Her unfailing accent through scenes with the Americans was impressive as was her vocal range throughout the show. Unapologetically declaring her love for Tommy, played by Nick Burgos, she upheld her convictions in touching caresses and emotive ballads. Burgos reciprocated her affection with longing gazes, complemented by lovely riffs. His dynamic with Jeff was just as lively, from their natural banter to begrudging standoffs.

Jak Ketron threw himself into the role of Jeff with visceral physicality and cynical quips. Even when he wasn't downing other people's drinks, Ketron kept up the gruff attitude of a disillusioned drunk, ironically prevailing as the show's voice of reason. One of the highlights of the show was Ketron's chemistry with Caitlin Fernandez who played Meg, which peaked in the song "The Love of my Life". With Fernandez brazenly attempting to cuddle and Ketron diving under the bed, the duo had the audience splitting their sides.

As the cheeky milkmaid Meg, Fernandez showcased some of the most consistent acting in the show. Her well-timed comedic delivery and full use of the stage kept the audience entertained every instant. Another couple that captivated the crowd was Charley and Jean, respectively portrayed by Nick Herrera and Maddie Mangilt. Mangilt's elegant ballet and Herrera's affectionate touches brought gushing reactions, particularly in "Come to Me, Bend to Me".

Decked out in tartan with steady Scottish accents, the ensemble was upbeat and reactive throughout the show. The technical elements added another level of authenticity to the show, truly immersing the audience in the highlands. The costume crew, led by Emma Hitchcock and Grace Lyons, fashioned vivid period blouses, stays, and skirts. Furthermore, the set department, including Caitlin Fernandez, Kathryn Webb, Ryan Phillips, and Anthony Berry, created gorgeous pieces, detailed with textured rock and folksy elements. Their use of dual-sided scenery further enabled the stage crew, managed by Sabrina Smith, to execute smooth, efficient transitions.

With timeless comedy and innocent romance, Brigadoon transported the audience into a dreamlike wonder as surely as it had Tommy and Jeff. While we may not wish to abandon the real world forever, St. Paul VI Catholic High School's delightful production provided a fanciful escape.

Donovan Fisher
Mount Vernon High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

Finding true love can be a miracle within itself in St. Paul VI Catholic High School's production of the Golden Age musical, Brigadoon. Written in 1947 by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, Brigadoon tells the story of New York natives Tommy and Jeff as they hike into the Scottish forests, finding a magical village known as Brigadoon. There, Tommy meets Fiona, and the two fall in love immediately. Soon, the two friends realize there is a secret to the village of Brigadoon: it appears only once every 100 years, and if they leave, it will be another 100 years before it returns. Can Tommy sacrifice the life he knew for a shot at true love with Fiona, or will he return with Jeff to the world he knows?

Tommy is played here by Nick Burgos, who captures the thoughtful and affectionate side of the character well. Burgos effectively falls into the character, showing the growth from a man unhappy with his life to one who longs for new found love. Emma Hitchcock, who portrays Fiona in the show, displays the innocence and freedom that Brigadoon represents. The pair of Burgos and Hitchcock capture our eyes and hearts, especially during "Almost Like Being In Love," where their romantic tension begins to peak.

They aren't the only people in the village of Brigadoon, however, and that's exemplified by comic relief characters Jeff (Jak Ketron) and Meg (Caitlin Fernandez). Ketron has wonderful line delivery and stage presence, notably when he is allowed opportunities for physical comedy. Fernandez is a powerhouse of energy and fun, and boosts the spirit of the show anytime she appears on stage for uproarious comedic moments. This is all wrapped up by the wonderful ensemble work in the show, where many characters have side-stories and interactions that makes the show feel all the more alive.

These elements all are enhanced by some wonderful elements of technical design. The lighting design by crew head Jon Greene was well-fitting, blending various hues to create the warm and lovely morning of the Scottish countryside and the cold night that follows it. This is most notably seen in the opening to Act 2, where various characters run through the dimly lit woods with shades of blue and purple representing the night sky. The scenic design is wonderfully constructed, with various pieces being multi-purposeful so that they can be used for various locations throughout the town. Each element comes together to create the beautiful simplicity of Brigadoon, with no piece feeling out of place. The costume design pays great attention to historical detail, and it's evident that costume heads Emma Hitchcock and Grace Lyons did their research to make sure that no stone was left unturned with authenticity. The team made 14 handmade stays, 16 handmake skirts, and 5 kilts designed to be true to Scottish heritage, also using a variety of textures and patterns in the designs to create a realistic variety.

With St. Paul VI Catholic High School's production of Brigadoon, we are taken to a world that shows that the love that you have in your life should be the most important thing in your world. The acting and tech all come together to present a show that feels authentic, never shying away from the fact that it's the simple things in life that help make your life feel whole. The story of Tommy and Fionna shows what it means to receive the miracle of love, and to cherish it forever and always.

Joshua Mutterperl
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to Insidenova - Sun Gazette

Deep in the forests of the Scottish Highlands, amidst the darkening sky and mystical fog, hear the beautiful call of a town lost to time itself. Enter, if you dare, and find yourself completely immersed in 1700's Scotland in Paul VI High School's lively production of Brigadoon.

Brigadoon (book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, music by Frederick Loewe) opened on Broadway in 1947 and ran for 581 performances, and was subsequently adapted into a film in 1954 starring Gene Kelly and a 1966 version for television. The show follows two friends from New York, Tommy Albright and Jeff Douglas, who stumble upon a mysterious Scottish town named Brigadoon with an unbelievable story; at the end of each day, the town disappears for a hundred years, leaving its residents feeling as if they are still in 1746. This miracle occurrence makes things difficult for Tommy, who falls in love with Brigadoon native Fiona MacLaren, but through their love they find a way to be together.

Leading the show as Tommy Albright was Nick Burgos, who brought charm and authenticity to the role. Tommy was a sympathetic and interesting character caught between two worlds, and Burgos was able to effectively handle that uncertainty. Additionally, Burgos made use of an impressive vibrato, bringing a necessary degree of gravitas to the role. His counterpart, Fiona MacLaren, was portrayed with the perfect balance of wit and kindness by Emma Hitchcock. Hitchcock's soaring high notes and dedication to her accent blended with Burgos' clean, low tones to create gorgeous moments of harmony that were emblematic of the love their characters shared. Especially poignant was the song "Almost Like Being in Love", where the pair matched each other as much in believable enthusiasm as they did in vocal talent.

Jak Ketron and Caitlin Fernandez, as Jeff Douglas and Meg Brockie, respectively, were responsible for moments of levity and gut-busting laughter, and they fully delivered beyond expectations. The two worked incredibly well together, as evidenced by the slapstick humor they engaged in while Jeff attempted to halt the advances of Meg during "The Love of My Life". They were also enjoyable when separate, always performing with remarkable energy and physicality. Fernandez, in particular, brought spectacular presence to her role, keeping the audience engaged whenever she was onstage while also showing off her belt voice.

The stellar falsetto of Charlie Dalrymple (played by Nick Herrera) was the perfect fit for the beautiful ballet abilities of his bride-to-be Jean MacLaren (played by Maddie Mangilit.) The chemistry these two possessed, even in moments without eye contact, was almost palpable. Additionally, every member of the ensemble was dynamic and displayed a deep commitment to character; there was always someone new to be watching.

Several ingenious technical aspects intricately constructed the world of the show. The costumes, for example, were designed in such a way that each piece was similar enough to the others to bring consistency to the show's portrayal of the town, and yet each clan possessed its own color scheme and patterns. The sets were gorgeous, and everything from the large rocks from which characters could pick flowers to the beautifully painted backdrops transported the audience to Scotland. Additionally, subtle details from the lighting and sound departments, such as different colored lights for different characters and ambient outdoor sound effects, brought emphasis and realism to each moment.

In Paul VI's production of Brigadoon, the audience has the chance to fall a lot more than "almost" in love with the dedicated characters, powerful performances, and successful building of a magical world.

Grace Jenkins
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to The Catholic Herald

Mystery, mistresses, and men in skirts? What more could a musical need? At St. Paul VI Catholic High School, bagpipes are blowing for their fantastic production of Brigadoon. The show opens on two 1940's American hunters exploring Scotland. They soon stumble upon a village stuck 200 years in the past, which only appears for one day every hundred years. The two men quickly meet some beautiful lassies and one pair fall madly in love, only to soon realize trouble is upon them.

Written by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Lowe, the musical features exciting Celtic dancing, comedy, and romance. The show premiered on Broadway in 1947 and has been revived multiple times in the years since. In 1954, MGM released a film version, directed by Vincente Minnelli, starring Gene Kelly, Van Johnson, and Cyd Charisse.

The village of Brigadoon, while small and meek, holds boisterous people full of joy. The ensemble of St. Paul VI Catholic High School brought the energetic jigs to life through every number, while their detailed dresses and kilts truly set the scene. The performance included gorgeous voices, comedic characterizations, and precise dancers. Every member of the cast maintained their perfect accents, especially the many Scottish townspeople.

One of the Americans, Tommy Albright, was portrayed by Nick Burgos. He elegantly displayed the progression of Tommy's realization of true love, as well as the wholesome friendship between Tommy and Jeff. Jeff Douglas, the other American, was played by the hilarious Jak Ketron. Ketron drew the audience in as he constantly engaged his whole self in every scene by making silly faces, showing bold physical choices, and delivering comic zingers. The angelic town girl, Fiona MacLaren, was played by Emma Hitchcock. Hitchcock's stellar vocals and dainty dancing allowed the audience to fall in love with her tender character.

Along with the amusing Celtic dancing, Maddie Mangilit, who played Jean MacLaren, delivered gracefully romantic ballet dances alongside her character's fiancé Charlie Dalrymple, played by Nick Herrera. The town floozy, Meg Brockie, was played by Caitlin Fernandez. Her use of movements, expressions, and heavy accent added to the comedic effects of her every scene. Fernandez displayed a phenomenally powerful voice as she belted her hilarious ballads of love and weddings.

It truly wouldn't be Scotland without mountains of plaid draped across each character! Costumers Emma Hitchcock and Grace Lyons displayed very accurate 1700's Scottish attire including, corsets, colorful skirts, and best of all, the plaid kilts. To balance the gorgeous costumes were detailed hairstyles and simple makeup designed by Allison Fentress. While the women were decorated with glistening curls and delicate braids, she adorned the men with sharp wrinkles and thick beards, allowing the cast to appear as those townspeople should. The multi-functional set, designed by Caitlin Fernandez, added many levels to the performance as beautiful hills, fields, flowers and rocks appeared to be magically transported to the stage.

From tender loving moments to hilarious bouts of joy, to the mysterious secret happenings, St. Paul VI Catholic High School allowed not only the two Americans but the entire audience to be transported to the beautiful town of Brigadoon, all while teaching us, "if you love someone deeply enough anything is possible. Even... miracles."

Laura Hoffman
The New School of Northern Virginia
Submitted for publication to Connection

Would you ever want to go back 200 years in the past, and see what it was like? Now you can, with Brigadoon!

Brigadoon, performed by the St. Paul VI Catholic High School, is the story of two American tourists, Tommy Albright (Nick Burgos) and Jeff Douglas (Jak Ketron), finding Brigadoon, a town shrouded in mist and mystery on the one day it is set to appear every 100 years. For the townsfolk, it's only been 2 days, but for the rest of the world, it's been 200 years. As Tommy explores the town with Jeff, he finds himself falling in love with a resident of the town, Fiona MacLaren (Emma Hitchcock), and the town's simple yet beautiful charm.

Burgos manages to accurately represent the feeling of not being able to trust your own feelings. His performance as Tommy, alongside Hitchcock's as Fiona, a charming sweet woman longing for love, was full of the passion and pull of two people from two different worlds.

The entirety of the town in Brigadoon felt alive, thanks to the number of people on stage at one time. There was always something to watch, whether it was the regular townsfolk having their side conversations or the dancers and the singers.

Not only was the stage full, it truly felt like a town which had been frozen in time with the intricate costumes and hairstyles, the traditional Scottish sword-dancing, the convincing accents, the set's beautiful backdrop and stage props that made you truly get sucked into the world of Brigadoon. At the wedding of the two characters, Charlie Dalrymple (Nick Herrera) and Jean MacLaren (Maddie Mangilit), the whole town got a chance to shine as the different clans came on stage.

Brigadoon was not just a romantic tale, but a comedic one as well. The chemistry between Jeff and Meg Brockie (Caitlin Fernandez) was like dynamite. Fernandez's ability to perform as a hopelessly single maid made the crowd laugh and hang on to every word she said. Her singing was incredibly powerful and resonated through the theatre. Ketron's comedic timing was perfect, and his back and forth with Burgos was thoroughly amusing to watch from start to finish.

Overall, St. Paul VI Catholic High School's performance of Brigadoon was an enchanting and lively play, full of charm and wonder that blurred the line between dream and reality.

PJ Pavot
Fairfax High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

Brilliant, beautiful, bold Brigadoon captures the imagination and carries the audience away to a truly magical place. In Paul VI Catholic High School's production of Brigadoon, the strong and energetic ensemble, along with the incredible technological elements, paved the way for this engaging show.

Brigadoon is a musical which was written by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Lowe in 1947, and follows two Americans who get lost in the highlands of Scotland while on a hunting trip. There they discover a hidden town that only appears once every hundred years. Paul VI executed this difficult show, with what seemed to be relative ease, keeping the audience engaged throughout the entire 3 hour long run time.

The show follows Tommy Albright (Nick Burgos), an unhappily engaged man from New York who is trying to relieve all of his stress. Burgos's charming vocals, and realistic acting skills made it clear why he was the perfect choice for the lead role. His chemistry with fellow ingenue Fiona (Emma Hitchcock) made for some adorable and heart wrenching moments between the two. Hitchcock was also spectacular, with an impressive upper range that captivated the audience.

Tommy's side kick, Jeff, was masterfully portrayed by Jak Ketron. Ketron's comedic presence was felt every time he hit the stage. Ketron had several funny moments with fellow comic Meg, played Caitlin Fernandez, especially in their song together "The Love of My Life". Ferndandez also dazzled everyone in the theatre with her crystal-clear belt.

Another noteworthy couple was that of Charlie and Jean, played by Nick Herrera and Maddie Mangilit, respectively. Herrera's pop style voice, combined with his falsetto, and Mangilit's phenomenal ballet skills, created several wonderful scenes and songs, most notably that of "Come to Me, Bend to Me", which Herrera did completely blindfolded.

The tech elements of the show really brought the town of Brigadoon, Scotland to life. The remarkable scenic design, which was completely hand painted, was admirable. The sound effects were so realistic, you could think someone actually opened a door outside, and you were just hearing the noises of the nighttime. The costuming team paid extreme attention to detail, going as far as getting near identical kilts to the real-life clans from the show. The lighting was astounding, with thematic displays when any duo of characters appeared it on stage.

PVI's Brigadoon was a memorable show for all, thanks to incredible general cast energy, stunning vocals and harmonization, and impressive technical aspects.