The Royersford Baptist Church Players Present a Magical BRIGADOON

The opening night of Brigadoon was like nothing I had ever seen before done at a church. Easily rivaling many local productions performed at actual theaters, the Players hit it out of the park on their very first night. It was clearly evident on every performer’s face - from the kids in elementary school to the retired - that they loved what they were doing.

From the moment you enter, you are immersed in Scottish culture…kilts, “lads and lassies” on restroom doors, etc. Before the show begins, the house manager tells the audience that there will be an authentic bagpiper. I remember thinking “How nice!” However, when she says authentic bagpiper, she really means it!

Directed by Dianne Umstead (drama) and Karen Hite (music), Lerner and Loewe’s Brigadoon is the story of two hunters who unwittingly come across a magical place. The townspeople of Brigadoon are in the midst of living a miracle, of which I will not spoil the surprise to tell you. They are preparing for the wedding of Jean MacLaren (Jackie Pasquale) and Charlie Dalrymple (Scott McMaster), which will take place that night. Jean’s sister, Fiona (Kierra Denning), becomes involved with one of the hunters, Tommy Albright (John Hite). The other hunter, Jeff Douglas (Clay Hofmockel), tries desperately to ward off the advances of Meg Brockie (Liza Moore). Fiona takes Tommy and Jeff to Mr. Lundie (Ken George) to hear the story of the miracle. Then the decision has to be made, particularly in Tommy’s case. Is this a place he wants to stay? Does he love Fiona enough to sacrifice his life in New York?

The music of Brigadoon is stirring and emotional. The pit band (Karen Hite, Lara Trulson, Bill Wanner, and Becky Johnson) does a wonderful job with the Scottish music. The RBC Players make maximum use of their performance space by setting up stages not only in the traditional way, but around the audience. I like how they keep coming down to perform on the same level as the audience. They also sing off stage at key points during the musical, but, because the space is small, they still sound pitch perfect. Costumes, by Sandy Smoyer and Weegee Neiffer, are exquisite, particularly in the march of the clans and the wedding scene.

My only suggestion is to darken and flash the lights during the “Rain Scene”. If it is supposed to be raining and cast members have umbrellas, then the lights should not be on at full strength. The intimacy of the bar scene is impressive, where innocent remarks made by Tommy’s fiance’, Jane (Elle Crist), remind him of Fiona.

Performers that stand out are many, so I will just mention a few, starting with the bagpiper, Lucas Mitsch. He adds an immense amount of stirring emotion to Brigadoon. Beginning with the clan march to the wedding (which is done extremely well), Mitsch is there in key scenes. He is simply marvelous.

Moore is very emotive as the man-hungry Meg, especially in The Love of My Life. McMaster has a gentle, sensitive presence as Charlie, but is so proud to be marrying his Jean. George is an enthralling Mr. Lundie, and has the gift for storytelling. The audience is glued to him as he tells the secret to Tommy and Jeff. As head of two of the clans, Mark Hite, as Stuart Dalrymple, and Steve Smith, as Archie Beaton, have a presence on the stage and a gift for singing. The laughs come quickly as Hofmockel gives Jeff an ultra-dry, sarcastic tone. He is the comic relief. John Hite is a gift to the stage, from his voice, to the little nuances he gives Tommy. He never rests for a second. Watching his face while Mr. Lundie tells him the story is a lesson in reactive acting.

One notices immediately from the program that the Royersford Baptist Church Players use people of all ages and entire families in their shows. It is wonderful to see the joy that a show like this brings, not only to the audience but the performers as well. They should be immensely proud of all they have accomplished with Brigadoon.