Randolph’s Chandler Music Hall
Becomes Mystical Scottish Town

The scene is becoming increasingly familiar to those who live and work in Randolph; groups of teens eating lunch on the Chandler stoop in late June. It’s a healthy sign that the Fourth of July musical is in rehearsal, and this year the stage is being transformed into the highlands of Scotland for the classic production of Brigadoon.

In an odd twist, the actual performances will be July 5-8. Performances in the air-conditioned Music Hall are at 7:30 p.m. on July 5-7, with a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, July 8.

Brigadoon is a picturesque little village which appears only once every 100 years, and then only for a day. It is thus protected from being spoiled by too much contact with the rest of the world. Into this world stumble two young hikers.

Before learning the secret of the village, Tommy, played by Mikey Harris, a graduate of Hartford High School, falls in love with a beautiful Scottish lass, Fiona, portrayed by Addie Chris, a senior at Hartford High School. Jeff finds no lack of love, either, as he is barraged by the affections of Meg Brockie. Josh Turk, a graduate of Whitcomb High School, and Muriel Garner, a senior at Randolph Union High School, play these characters.

Of course, the decision must be made as to whether to stay in Brigadoon and never see your world again, or leave the woman you love forever. Mr. Lundie, the town’s resident wise man, helps guide the decision. Hanover resident Jonah Kasper plays this role.

This year’s production includes 118 students from Rochester, Bethel, Barnard, Sharon, Randolph, Northfield, White River, and Chelsea, and other area towns. It also embraces several of Joyce and Larry Brassard’s grandchildren from Atlanta, Ga., who have made it an annual tradition to be part of the show.

"The pattern has become routine to me," says director Charlie McMeekin, who notes this is the ninth year of the current teen approach to the Fourth of July shows, "but that doesn’t mean it’s any less exciting or rewarding. This is the only time in the year I see some of these guys, and to appreciate the changes they’ve gone through is just plain fun. I mean, here I am directing Muriel Garner in a leading lady romantic role. In our first production, she was a Munchkin mortician! What could be more fun than that?"

Marjorie Drysdale is the show’s musical director, Kimberly Nowlan shoulders the choreography responsibilities, and Betsy Cantlin is the producer.

Reserved seat tickets are available by calling or stopping by the Chandler box office, which is open Monday to Friday from 3-6 p.m. or calling 728-9878. This production is presented with assistance from the Turrell Fund. Chandler Music Hall is wheelchair accessible.

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