BRIGADOON in Pasadena

If you want to see an 80 year musical done to perfection with only a few book ‘improvements’ (and they are) get thee to the Pasadena Playhouse

That being said, this production was much better than the nasty La Cage production that Pasadena Playhouse put on. 

Hey, now. THAT production of LA CAGE was directed by Tony Award winning director of OH, MARY! and the current Broadway revival of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW: Sam Pinkelton! 😛

The reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, but most of them with the caveat that the book still isn’t THAT great. Which I think is always going to be a hurdle for any BRIGADOON. And the show may need more leeway from the estates to make structural changes than what Silber was allowed.

Katie Spelman is certainly proving herself as a director/choreographer in the regions. 

Listen, as someone who has suffered the book of Brigadoon as a cast member, an audience member, and a pit musician, I know the book could use some work for a modern audience. I'm also not sure how you could do it without gutting the piece and writing essentially a new story in modern times with the same magical disappearing village conceit. 

The score is lovely, but holy hell do you need to consider trimming down those dance breaks if the choreography is not sensational. I don't care how lovely Bonnie Jean is, that ballet in Come to Me Bend to Me feels like an eternity. 

Spoilers: changes include

No girl back home in NYC for Tommy. He has mainly just ‘lost his way’ which actually make it stronger I think

The biggest change is the bar scene back in NYC  Jeff, who has stopped drinking, talks about losing his wife to cancer shortly after he marries her  This loss informs his belief that Tommy should not give up on true love and that he wrongly steered Tommy astray in BRIGADOON. In my opinion this makes the resolution much stronger

No Mr Lundy but rather widow Lundy as played by Tyne Daly who was in fine form and voice last night  This minor change gives the women in town more agency over their lives

All of these changes were for the better I think

 

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "The reviews havebeen overwhelmingly positive, but most of them with the caveat that the book still isn’t THAT great. Which I think is always going to be a hurdle for any BRIGADOON. And the show may need more leeway from the estates to make structural changes than what Silber was allowed.

Katie Spelman is certainly proving herself as a director/choreographer in the regions."

Katie Spelman is truly a genius. Those that have seen her come up in Chicago know this to be true. Her eye is specific and targeted to deliver gorgeous composition, while simultaneously her heart and instinct is firmly planted in what makes musical theatre special.

And while I'm singing praises for Chicago female directors - look out for Jessica Fisch, too.

The only production of BRIGADOON I've ever seen is the one NY City Center Encores produced for 2 weeks back in 2017 starring Patrick Wilson and Kelli O'Hara. Loved the choreography by Christopher Wheeldon. I always thought it might move to Broadway but sadly did not. I'm grateful for the soundtrack though!

 

Is this one of the variants where they were fleeing the British instead of witches? 

henrike said: "Looking at the Wikipedia synopsis, I think the biggest change is

 

Curious…what’s the original ending?

henrike said: "I saw this past weekend, and I didn't think it was good. The set was pretty. The two leads were fantastic. It was great to hear the score.

However, tonally, the show didn't work for me. I don't know the original book line-by-line, Alexandra Silber's "updated" book was still clunky. The comedy landed like a perfunctory sitcom routine tightened by AI, but the drama didn't feel earned at all. Perhaps that flaw is more attributed to Spelman's direction. Actors were rushing to deliver the next line, and the weight of the dialogue didn't get to breathe. (Also, Tyne Daly was absolutely not ready, which didn't help.)

Max von Essen was the highlight for me. Betsy Morgan was fine. Happy Anderson as Jeff was two dimensional and sitcomy, and I think his scene at the bar at the end could've been better. Donna Vivino could've gone much further with her role.

Spelman also disappointed me with her choreography. Long dance breaks that dragged with no exciting buildup.

I may be a bit harsh with my opinion. But they really should've hired a director who can truly work on the book scenes, and hired Spelman solely as a choreographer to let her do her thing.

That being said, this production was much better than the nasty La Cage production that Pasadena Playhouse put on."

Couldn't agree more with most of this.   Particularly the choreography and hiring a director - and Spelman as choreographer.  It was clear she is best in the choreographers role only.  The book scenes were not good - and the tone and balance very uneven.  It was clear this was a show directed by a choreographer.  Spelman is fine enough with choreography - direction, no.

Updated On: 5/23/26 at 10:41 PM

Having been stationed together onboard a U.S. Navy ship in beautiful, wonderful, magnificent Scotland in the late 1960's, husband and I were thrilled to learn that "Brigadoon" was making its way to Pasadena.  We purchased tickets as soon as they became available to us.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to make the trip north for the show.  So, husband and his best friend went together instead.  They loved it.  Every bit of it.  So much so, that they have tickets for this weekend, as well.

If you think you might like "Brigadoon," then you probably will.  See it while you can! 

Updated On: 6/5/26 at 04:14 PM

Back in the day they really tried to give the audience their money's worth for their $0.50 Broadway ticket.  None of these 85 minute shows with zero set.