BRIGADOON Opens At Wagner College 11/18

'BRIGADOON' OPENS AT WAGNER COLLEGE NOV. 18 Considering a trip to the magical Scottish Highlands? Take heed, New Yorkers, for amongst the Highlands' rocky peaks and misty glens lies the mystical village of Brigadoon. In that remote countryside, two New Yorkers - Tommy Albright and Jeff Douglas - lose their way and stumble upon the idyllic village of Brigadoon, which appears for but a single day every 100 years. While in the enchanted Highland hills, the New Yorkers experience love and loss, witness marriage and murder, and enJoy Song and dance.

Based on an older German story, "Brigadoon" was first brought to life on Broadway in 1947 and has been revived four times, most recently in 1980-81. The show combines the playful lyrics of New
York-born lyricist and librettist Alan Jay Lerner with music by Vienna-born composer Frederick Loewe and choreography by New York-born Agnes George de Mille. "Brigadoon" tells the story of two tourists thrown into an enchanted world for one extraordinary day, until the village fades with the rising sun. After returning to New York, Tommy- love struck for the beautiful Fiona of Brigadoon - follows his heart back to Scotland in the hope for finding her again, lost in the mist and magic of the highlands.

Andrew Glandt Lyndon, who directed Wagner College Theatre's highly regaled 2005 production of "West Side Story," returns as director for "Brigadoon," which features choreography by Rusty Curcio
and musical direction by Fred Tessler.

How does Lyndon feel about bringing 1940s musical theater back to the Modern Stage?

"I think 'Brigadoon' is a very relevant piece today in that we're all looking for a better world," said the director. "In the play, Tommy is looking for a better world, and I think everyone is doing that, in a sense.

"The town of Brigadoon - the miracle - happens because the minister in the town wants to keep his town safe from outside forces, from the evils coming into the town. After 9/11, we found the evils of the world coming right up to our front door, and I think that everyone is looking for the innocence and safeness again."

Among the featured performers are seniors Alison Davi as Fiona, Tavis Ducette as Jeff, and junior Patrick Heffernan as Tommy. Island stage regular Mickey Tennenbaum will be joining the student cast on stage. Tennenbaum, a Staten Island resident since the 1970s, has worked closely with the Staten Island Civic Theatre, Snug Harbor Theatre and Actor's Theatre.

"Brigadoon" opens on Wednesday, Nov. 18. It plays Nov. 18-21 (Wednesday through Saturday), and returns Dec. 2-6 (Wednesday through Sunday) after the college's Thanksgiving break. Evening shows start at 8 p.m., with weekend matinees at 2 p.m.

Reservations can be made at the Wagner College Box Office, 718-390-3259. The Box Office is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.