Historic Choice for Youth Musical:
'Brigadoon' Returns to Chandler

The big decision has been made. This year's choice for the Chandler 4th of July youth musical will be "Brigadoon," a tale of romance and good music set in the mystical hills of Scotland.

The process of choosing a 2007 musical began just after the closing curtain for this year's hit production of "Oliver."

"Brigadoon" actually had an important role in bringing Chandler Music Hall back to life in the 1970s after years of deterioration, according to Charlie McMeekin, who will be returning to direct again this year.

That makes it particularly appropriate to produce this year, when the Music Hall will be celebrating its 100th birthday.

"Brigadoon" was the third of a 30-year string of community musicals by the Randolph Singers, most of them produced by Red Hartigan, which had a lot to do with renewing interest in the Music Hall.

The first two musicals by the Singers were produced at the high school auditorium. But when John Jackson was asked to direct "Brigadoon" in 1971, he agreed—but he laid down one condition.

Jackson, who lived across the street, had become fascinated with the dusty old hall languishing on Main Street. He insisted that "Brigadoon" be presented on the Chandler stage, to bring life and community back to the hall.

It was tough to do, because the Music Hall's technical facilities were virtually non-existent, and the electric system was so inadequate that flashlights were pressed into service. But Jackson put on a great show, and the public became hooked on Chandler as a place to see musicals.

Besides McMeekin as director, also returning to the 2007 production team are Marjorie Drysdale as music director, Kimberly Nowlan as choreographer, Pauline Garner as costumer, and Betsy Cantlin as producer.

The youth musical offers an intense experience of 40-hour-a-week rehearsals during which the cast puts together a full-scale musical production in two to three weeks. The productions have been attracting high school and elementary students from more than a dozen towns as word spreads of the excitement of participating.

In addition, the youth musicals have brought huge crowds to the Music Hall over the July 4 weekend, raising thousands of dollars most years for the programs there.

Auditions for this year's show will be held on Saturday, March 31, and will be open to students in both elementary and high schools through central Vermont, McMeekin said.

For audition details, people are asked to contact Betsy at outreach@chandler-arts.org or by phone at 728-9010.

Rehearsals will start on June 18, and will culminate in performances on July 5-8.