Programme 2004 – Brigadoon

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HAWKE’S BAY INC.
PRESENTS

Brigadoon

At the Playhouse
8-17 APRIL 2004

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HAWKE’S BAY INC.

PRESENTS

Brigadoon

Music by FREDERICK LOEWE
Books & Lyrics by ALAN JAY LERNER

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH WARNER/CHAPPELL MUSIC
EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATION OF J. C. WILLIAMSON LIBRARY

President’s message

Welcome to Theatre Hawke’s Bay first production for 2004. For months the theatre has rung to the swirl of the pipes and the sound of the Scottish dialect, to counter the music of hammers and saws, as cast and crew prepared for “Brigadoon.” I congratulate them all on the standard they have attained.

Look carefully at the foyer tonight. This is the last time that you will see it in this guise. Shortly we begin on the extension and refurbishing of the entrance and foyer, and exciting prospect that is the culmination of much planning and hard work by the committee and members of the theatre.

We thank you, the audience for your support for this production and look forward to seeing you again at out next show. Sit back and enjoy your visit to the Highlands with the cast of “Brigadoon.”

Caryl Boyle

Synopsis

The highland village of Brigadoon normally remains invisible, sleeping in the Scottish mists. But one day in every one hundred years, the town magically materialized. And when that day of joyful celebration ends, Brigadoon vanishes from the countryside and returns to its slumber. There’s only one catch: no native can leave the village or it will disappear forever.

A pair of American hunters stumbles upon Brigadoon on the single day it’s come to life, and when one of them falls for a lovely lass, he is tempted to take refuge there. But then a jealous villager attempts to escape, endangering the entire town… and destroying the wonder that was Brigadoon.

History

Brigadoon was the first big hit for the magical team of Lerner and Loewe. Inspired by Germelshausen, a German story by Friedrich Gerstäcker. Brigadoon was a red-letter day for the American theatre, if only because it was the first major Broadway success by Lerner and Loewe, the words-and-music duo that later created the history-making My Fair Lady.

Brigadoon is one of the most delightful fantasies that the American musical stage has known – fresh and innovative in its characterizations, dialogue and lyrics: utterly enchanting in its melodies. As Brook Atkinson said of it: “The incantation is complete and easy.”

Brigadoon opened at Ziegfeld Theatre on March 13, 1947 and ran for 581 performances. It established Lerner and Loewe as the successors of Rodgers and Hammerstein.

Director’s Notes

Brigadoon is a story about miracles and love set in the highland of Scotland, a recipe for success if ever there was. I have loved this show since my mother took me to see the movie when I was a very little girl and to have this wonderful opportunity to direct the stage show is a dream come true for me. I acknowledge and thank Theatre Hawkes Bay for bringing my vision to life. As the song from the shows goes it’s been the “Love Of My Life”.

Enjoy, it’s a brew experience.

Debe Dewey

Myra Reid – MUSICAL DIRECTOR. Myra’s involvement with Theatre Hawke’s Bay began in 1960. With the Hastings Musical Comedy Co., in the chorus of “The Student Prince”. Several years went spent between the Chorus and Orchestra working with Mary Bell and Arthur Young. [It was here she met her late husband, Alan Reid, before taking time out to raise their 6 children] She returned as pianist for “Where’s Charlie” (1983) and has since been Music Director for many of the Society’s larger production.

Jill Tobin – CHORAL DIRECTOR. I have had many years experience in Music Theatre and although I am primarily a One to One voice teacher I am thoroughly enjoying the choral work involved in Brigadoon. It has been a challenge to have a chorus on stage and a choir off stage and I applaud their efforts and commitment to making this work.

Karen Mortensen – CHOREOGRAPHER. The opportunity to choreograph Brigadoon has been a rewarding experience. It has been a stimulating task to take all my skills of Highland and National Dance to create movement of traditional dance steps within the tale of Brigadoon, a well-known love story. Debe Dewey, I thank you for giving me the opportunity and having faith in me to do it for you, with your wonderful cast. I thank you, each and everyone of you, for your support and hard work.

The Scenes

ACT 1

Scene 1   The highlands of Scotland
about 5am – 1946

Scene 2   MacConnachy Square
9am same day

Scene 3   The Brockie Bothy
Noon same day

Scene 4   The Mackeith House
1pm same day

Scene 5   Murdoch’s House

Scene 6   Outside the Kirk – the wedding
Early evening same day

ACT 2

Scene 1   The highlands of Scotland
Evening same day

Scene 2   The glen
Late evening same day

Scene 3   A bar in New York
4 months later

Scene 4   Brigadoon

Cast

in order of appearance

Tommy Albright – Paul O’Connor
Jeff Douglas – Graeme Fothergill
Angus MacMonies – Logan Elliot
Donald Ritchie – Darren Davies
Sandy – John Pryce
Maggie Abernathy – Marlena Rogers
Macgregor – John Latton
Stuart Cameron – John Lovatt
Harry Ritchie – Wiremu Tuhiwai
Meg Brockie – Karina Fothergill
Andrew MacKeith – Mick Dewey
Fiona – Angela Conn
Jean – Rebecca Corney
Charlie Cameron – David Napier
Mr Murdoch – Ross McLachlan
Frank – John Lovatt
Jane Ashton – Jillian Andrew

The Leads

Angela Conn   From Hawkes Bay Angela studied voice for 6 years with Jill Tobin before joining the EIT Diploma in Performing Arts – Voice. During the 2 year diploma she has success in the role of Maria – “Westside Story” and Pamina in Mozart’s – The Magic Flute”. She has been part of Opera Hawkes Bay’s productions of “Lucia di Lammermoor” and “Madama Butterfly”. Angela has appeared in many performances, recitals, weddings and concerts throughout Hawkes Bay.

David Napier   Being the first show his parents took him to, Brigadoon has held a special place in David’s heart. Though a “late” starter in theatre, this is only the second show David has done with Theatre Hawke’s Bay on stage, though he has taken part in many more in the “back stage” crew. The part of Charlie, David feels, has the pick of the men’s songs, and though a baritone, he has enjoyed stretching his voice to accommodate the notes necessary for Charlie’s role.

Karina Fothergill   After graduating from EIT Hawke’s Bay with a Diploma in Performing Arts (Voice). Karina’s passion for singing and performing on the stage has led her into both plays and musicals: including roles such as Angel in “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”.

The unrestrained and vivacious character of Meg in Brigadoon has provided Karina with an exciting challenge, not only to bring out the spirited part of Meg, but also to express the sensitivity and loneliness of the character.

Graeme Fothergill   A veteran of around 30 shows, Graeme appeared at Theatre Hawke’s Bay in “The Real Inspector Hound”. During several years away from performing, Graeme has continued to make a valuable contribution both backstage and at front of house. In making his return to the stage, Graeme has relished the opportunity to play the cynical and comic character of Jeff, opposite the straight and serious Tommy Albright. ”Brigadoon” has been the perfect chance to indulge his love of the theatre once more.

Paul O’Connor   After starting his career in 1989 with “Merry Widow” and “My Fair Lady” Paul returned to theatre 10 years later to appear in “Madama Butterfly” in 2000. From playing American Edsel McKay in “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” and King Mongkut in the production of “The King & I” in 2003. Paul relishes the opportunity to widen his talents with playing another American out hunting, one of his favourite pastime.

Mick Dewey   This in my second show for Theatre Hawkes Bay and I sincerely hope not my last Brigadoon has challenged me for two reasons. First developing the Scottish accent and second the wearing of the kilt. I have thoroughly enjoyed being associated with an amazing group of people.

Wiremu Tuhiwai   His third production with Theatre Hawke’s Bay Wiremu has appeared “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” and “The Big OE”. Wiremu slips easily into the role of Harry, and his heartache when he learns about Jeans upcoming marriage to another. But Harry finds the more he is hurt, the more his anger builds and he finally challenges Jean and Charlie in hatred rather than sadness. In this demanding role Wiremu feels reassured working with a talented and supportive cast.

Rebecca Corney – Brigadoon is Rebecca’s first show for Theatre Hawke’s Bay. The show has allowed her to combine her two passions – acting and dancing. After achieving a Diploma in Performing Art & Drama, and a Diploma in Highland and National Dancing, Rebecca has recently appeared in “Romeo and Juliet”; “Trap for a Lonely Man”, and “Wanted: One Body”. She would like to thank Theatre Hawke’s Bay, Debe Dewey, Jill Tobin, and Karen Mortensen for giving her the opportunity to be a part of this great production.

John Pryce – John has stepped the ‘boards’ since 1956, performing in plays, musical comedy, and opera. He enjoy the production side, set design and costumes. His recent shows with Theatre Hawke’s Bay has been – “70 Girls, 70”; Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”. And John is looking forward to playing ‘Sandy’ in “Brigadoon”.

Ross Mclachan I became interested in drama at HBHS. On my return to Hawkes Bay in the late ‘80’s I rekindle this desire in sundry roles at the Keirunga Homestead Theatre, most recently in our second production of “Romeo & Juliet”, alongside my two sons! I have appeared in Group Theatre “Tom & Viv” and “Habeas Corpus”. I had a walk-on role in Theatre Hawkes Bay’s ‘Last Of The Summer Wine’.

Production Team

Director   Debe Dewey
Musical Director   Myra Reid
Choral Director   Jill Tobin
Choreographer   Karen Mortensen
Production Secretary   Lionel Priest
Stage Manager   George Astridge
Assistant Stage Manager   John Glew
Crew   Maree Moyes
Kaye Sutton
Ron Osborne
Carl Wright
Wardrobe   Jan Simmers
Carol Horan
Kristen Cannon
Zelda Houston
Dawn Wright
Jeanne Hall
Head of Props   Jeanne Hall
Assistant Props   Christine Stark
Set Construction   George Astridge
John Glew
Lionel Priest
Jim Pentelow
Ross Kennedy
Trevor Hill
John Rawlings

Set Design   Lionel Priest
John Pryce
Debe Dewey
Lighting   Bryan Rodgers
Assistant Lighting   Ngaire & Russell Anderson
Sound   Robin Barker
Publicity/Promotions   Trevor Ruffell
Prompt   Wendy Beauchamp
Assistant to Musical Director   Digby Edgecoumbe
Hair Styles   Kylie Fergus “Hair 2000”
Make-up Team   Yvonne Williams
Vanessa Murphy
Judy Dagg
Minnie Wright

Chorus and Choir

CHORUS

Toke Kururangi
Judy Priest
Pamela Bilas
Sylvia McKenna
Willa Oliver
Elle Beauchamp
Amanda Goodwin
Logan Elliot

CHOIR

Val Rouse-Shaw
Mike Bilas
Peter Frizzell
John Lovatt
Peter Berry
Lynda Gilchrist
Carol Della Barca
Karen Goodwin
Beverly Heard

Orchestra

Piano    Myra Reid
Violin I   Raewyn Newcomb
Violin II   Jan Thompson
Cello   Elizabeth Bone
Bass   David Kitt
Flute   Mary McHattie
Clarinet   Leanne Lawrence
Drums   Karen Apperley

Ladies of the Chorus

Gentlemen of the Chorus

Members of the choir

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