Lerner and Loewe's "Brigadoon" score might not conjure up "the street where you live," and the musical's fanciful plot, with a 1947 romanticized spin, might seem remote to today's audiences.
But the production being staged by Second Star at the Bowie Playhouse in White Marsh makes the show relevant, offering a talented, committed cast faithful to the show's premise.
The story centers on two American tourists - idealistic Tommy Albright and cynical Jeff Douglas - who are lost in Scotland's woods and discover a village that is not on their map. The village appears only one day every 100 years.
On this day, Jean MacLaren will marry Charlie Dalrymple, a fact that disturbs Jean's suitor, Harry Beaton. Jean's older sister Fiona is enchanted by Tommy, and the aggressive Meg Brockie is attracted to Jeff.
Eventually, Tommy discovers the secret of Brigadoon: Its residents sleep for 100 years, staying young and innocent, rooted in the 18th century. It is forbidden to leave Brigadoon, but one can enter there if his love is strong enough.
Lerner and Loewe's score moves the story forward, with dance an integral element establishing time, place and mood.
Second Star's choreographer, Karen Jameson Hastings, remains essentially faithful to the original Agnes de Mille choreography. Hastings has a strong troupe to deliver the folk dances and a trio of gifted soloists.
Kristen Kushner is enchanting as Jean MacLaren in the wedding dance, dynamic Jon Christie as Harry Beaton delivers an exciting sword dance, and Christine Nelson sparkles in the upbeat dances as Harry's admirer Maggie Anderson and is eloquent in the funeral dance.
Second Star's "Brigadoon" features a 16-piece orchestra led by music director Donald K. Smith. From the opening bars, despite some tenuous brass, the musicians lent excitement and immediacy to the show on opening night, delivering Frederick Loewe's haunting, melodic music.
Second Stage is doubly blessed with Pamela Turpin as Fiona and John Day as Tommy. Turpin is a fine actress who has a pleasing dramatic soprano that conveys emotion well. Only when Turpin stretches for top notes does she become a bit shrill.
John Day brings his own magic to the role of Tommy with acceptable dancing, strong acting and a magnificent voice that does full justice to "The Heather on the Hill" and "Almost Like Being in Love."
