Come away to 'Brigadoon'

ORANGE CITY-A land of enchantment.

That's what New Yorkers Tommy Albright and Jeff Douglas discover after traveling to the Scottish Highlands on a game-hunting vacation.

Only, the two never have their hunting experience. Rather, they get lost.

And, out of the early morning mist, appears a village called Brigadoon, where residents are 200 years behind - they still dress in traditional Scottish apparel and local vendors sell milk, ale and wool.

It is apparent to Tommy and Jeff that something isn't right.

Soon, they find that Brigadoon is enchanted and only appears to wanderers like the two New Yorkers every 100 years.

That doesn't stop Tommy from falling in love with one of the locals, though, which creates a much larger problem. If Tommy stays in Brigadoon, he will only come back to life every 100 years, but if he leaves, the village will disappear entirely.

It's a dilemma only the attendees of "Brigadoon," which will come to life on stage Wednesday, May 13-Saturday, May 16, during the Orange City Tulip Festival, will experience.

Although director Keith Allen says different audience members will experience different emotions during the musical, romance is sure to reign overall.

"Most people like romantic stories of love," Allen said. "There's also a subplot that people will get interested in, but if it's something enjoyable to see after a long day at the Tulip Festival. It's a refreshing way to end the whole day."

Especially for Allen, producer Betty Ferrell, musical director Tom Hydeen and the cast of over 40.

But, if that's not enough, Allen said the music is supreme.

"The music is just gorgeous," Allen said. "It's beautiful, wonderful."

It's no wonder, as the music features book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, who also wrote "My Fair Lady," and music by Frederick Loewe.

"I just want people to enjoy it," Allen said. "That's what we try to do."
This article appeared in the May 9, 2009 edition of DISCOVER! Magazine.