When I first read the synopsis of Brigadoon, I was actually kind of looking forward to the show because it had an interesting plot. The actual performance, however, wasn’t as great as I thought it would have been, although I will admit that the music they played was beautiful and the voices were great. There were many parts that were added that I thought could have been taken out, like the dancing at the funeral. I appreciated that they tried to incorporate ballet into the show, but it felt a little out of place for me. This also happened in the scene when Jean was getting married.
However, I really did like the set design and the characters. They all had great personalities and that is what kept me interested. The orchestra music was also amazing. I think it really added to the emotion and overall quality of the play. Another interesting aspect was how they placed the orchestra on stage too and let the actors perform right in front of it. Also I liked that the singers sang from the balcony because it made the show more interactive and fun. I wasn’t expecting that to happen so it was always a surprise when I would hear a voice on my left or right.
I have to agree. And your comments will make it interesting to compare the other music/theater productions we will see this semester. What you have identified is the THEATRICALITY of the production. LeFrak Hall is a concert hall that was slightly modified to accommodate this show. It is not a real theater so the sets, costumes, lighting and special effects were at a bare minimum. This can have a profound effect on the way the show makes its impact. The part of the show that would not have changed if this were a completely staged production (the orchestra and the singing) were superb, and made their full effect!
Oh, how I wished I could’ve seen this. My desire for seeing this performance went beyond the fact that it was a mandatory event for our class; I remember all the effort and time that went into putting on a theatrical performance, as I look back a year ago when I acted in the Laramie Project. The storyline for Brigadoon seemed so enthralling when we read it in class. Mixed in with the fact that the theater always interests me, I was all riled up to see this performance.. too bad I thought it was 8 pm on Sunday. 🙁
Your description of the set and the orchestra makes me really regretful, as well as the singing from the balcony! It sounds like it was quite a show!
I definitely agree with Susan’s comments about this musical because there were scenes in the play that I found somewhat comical, which I wasn’t sure if that was the purpose of the director. I found it comical because some aspects of the musical such as the dance before Jean’s wedding was very random. What I had envisioned when reading the play was definitely different when I had actually watched it.