"Brigadoon" - A Return to the Highlands of Scotland...

“Once in the Highland, the Highlands of Scotland…”  began the familiar chorus from the 1947 Lerner & Lowe musical “Brigadoon”.  Twenty-seven Dayton Christian graduates had gratefully accepted the schools’ invitation to return to their alma mater and enjoy the production for the first time since it was performed on March 6^th, 1976.  Among the alumni in attendance, five were members of the original cast – Dick Reynolds ’77 (Jeff Douglas), Tammy Smiley Czyzewski  ’76 (Chorus), Dan Tackett ’78 (Stuart Dalrymple), Dale Miller ’76 (Andrew MacLaren), Dean Sellers ’76 (Archie Beaton), and one, David Kennedy ’78, was part of the orchestra.  They were all treated to a talented group of young actors and actresses and a boat load of nostalgia -which included a display just outside the theatre with photos and memorabilia from the 1976 show.   Overall, it was a fun evening recalling the past and appreciating the present.  Some of the former cast members, that could not attend, shared their memories :

From Tracy Watkins Barber ’78  (Meg Brockie)  “I have so many memories of our trip to the “highlands" that year!  They have stayed dear to my heart and brought many a smile.  More than anything that always comes back to me is the closeness we all shared during that production.  We grew in friendship and love.  We came to know each other and grow together in the Lord during our highland games!  Yes! Especially on closing night!  How many pranks we pulled!  It's a wonder the production came off!  But it surely did!!  All the cast members never missed a beat.  If a cup was filled with "something suspicious" or a character perhaps changed a line, put on too much lipstick during a friendly stage kiss or moved a prop - everyone stayed right on cue!  What great memories!   "Brigadoon" and the stories from the ’76 production are truly a legend in our home and with our children.  It has been the source of many laughs, heart-warming smiles and a blessing to us in so many ways...”

From Cindy Adkins Matthews ’76  (Fiona MacLaren)  “Being a part of the cast of Brigadoon was such a great experience.  I have wonderful memories of working with everyone:  orchestra, chorus, directors, those who did the make-up and costumes.  I must say that I will forever hold dear the memories of working with Kent Anderson (Tommy), who is now with the Lord.  He was a dear friend and I miss both him and his father, John Anderson, who was a musical mentor to me.  This experience was part of my preparation for a career in music education, and I'm very grateful for those at DCHS who provided opportunities for us to learn and grow."

From Sandy Stephens Jackson ’76 (Jane Ashton)  “ I have a very fond memory of the practices for Brigadoon.  I am hesitant to share but here goes…   As you know, Kent Anderson (who played Tommy Albright) and I had a "kissing scene".  He had to kiss me once as his girlfriend in New York.  Well, his dad Mr. John Anderson was one of the directors, he advised that Kent and I "practice" our kissing scene outside of the school.  So, we had a couple of authorized "practice sessions".  What a hoot!” 

From Rob Campbell ’77 (substitute Mr. Lundie)  “Memories from Brigadoon?  As you might expect, it was a whirlwind.  I got a call from Gus Dallas the Sunday before the performance asking if I'd fill in as Mr. Lundie!  Got the script from him and stayed up until about 3:00 in the morning memorizing it.  Spent most of Monday and Tuesday learning the blocking.  I think there was a dress rehearsal Tuesday night?  Then performances Friday and Saturday.  It was all last minute.  I don't think my name was even in the program?  And by the next weekend, I'm sure I couldn't remember a line.  Disappeared into the Highland mists - just like Brigadoon…  But it was a great experience!”

From Cherie Adkins ’78 (Chorus)  “As a member of the Brigadoon chorus back in 1976, I remember how fun it was to interact silently on stage with other members when the main characters were speaking in the town-scenes…  I remember mouthing over and over again, "asparagus, asparagus" to make it look like we were really talking, using all sorts of exaggerated gestures, cracking-up with silent laughter when we thought how silly we must look!  I remember everyone rehearsing the music with dear Mr. Anderson;  his spirit of fun and sincere dedication to the students' success really made it wonderful.  I enjoyed watching my sister, Cindy, portray Fiona with sweetness.  And the crazy antics between Kent Anderson and Dick Reynolds...  Well, let's just say I always looked forward to what those two would come up with!  How fortunate we all were to be able to participate in the Brigadoon of 1976...”