BRIGADOON, With Revamped Libretto, Opens Tonight at the Goodman Theatre

Goodman Theatre presents Brigadoon, the first large-scale professional revival in more than three decades, extended through August 10 by popular demand; the full 28-member company remains intact.

Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick's Loewe's legendary musical of Broadway's Golden Age, under director/choreographer Rachel Rockwell, tells the enchanting tale of an 18th century Scottish village that appears every century for one day only -- and the complications that arise when it's discovered by two 20th century Americans. Book writer Brian Hill revisits the libretto for this production, while music director Roberta Duchak and an orchestra of 13 use new orchestrations to enhance Loewe's lilting score. Brigadoon runs at the Albert Theatre. Opening night is tonight, July 7.

When Brigadoon debuted on Broadway in 1947, it was Lerner and Loewe's third musical -- and the one that established them as a formidable Broadway composing team. The plot, according to Lerner, occurred to him when Loewe offhandedly remarked that "faith moves mountains." When American tourists Tommy and Jeff become lost on vacation in Scotland, they stumble into a town that isn't on their map. Eventually they learn that Brigadoon was once a bustling town but now only appears for one day each century. While the two men sort out the town's curious circumstances -- including that no outsiders can stay unless they fall in love, and no resident can ever leave or the village will vanish forever -- Tommy meets the love of his life. But what happens when the day ends, and Brigadoon fades into the mountain mist for another century?

The production is appropriate for adults and families with children aged 10+. Tickets ($25 - $98; subject to change) are on sale now at GoodmanTheatre.org/Brigadoon, by phone at 312.443.3800 or at the box office (170 North Dearborn). Visit the new interactive microsite, GoodmanTheatre.org/VisitBrigadoon, to learn about the show, "meet the villagers" and participate in social media contests for exclusive prizes.

Photo Credit: Liz Lauren