The revival of two classic musicals, Lerner and Loewe’s "Brigadoon" and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s "Flower Drum Song", is a testament to the enduring appeal of these Golden Age musicals. While "Brigadoon" hasn’t had a Broadway revival since 1980 and "Flower Drum Song" didn’t last long when it received its first and only Broadway revival in 2002, these shows continue to captivate audiences. The music makes a compelling case for their revival, offering a glimpse into a more optimistic era of musical storytelling. The revival of "Brigadoon" at Pasadena Playhouse is a standout production, with a fresh adaptation by playwright Alexandra Silber that works remarkably well. Silber’s modernization of the book, while not without its lumpy patches, adds a modern twist to the story without losing its essence. The production, directed and choreographed by Katie Spelman, is a dynamic and visually stunning spectacle, with a 22-piece orchestra under the music supervision of Darryl Archibald, drawing out the sublime color of Frederick Loewe’s music. The blend of Max Von Essen’s lyric baritone and Betsy Morgan’s assertive soprano gives eternal life to Tommy and Fiona’s numbers. The revival of "Flower Drum Song", co-produced by East West Players and the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, is a quest for a deeper authenticity. Directed by EWP artistic director Lily Tung Crystal, the production aims to provide a more genuine reflection of Asian American experience. While the musical, which premiered on Broadway in 1958, was groundbreaking for the way it provided a showcase for Asian American performers, the revival falters between eras. The update of "Flower Drum Song" doesn’t have the same resources as the "Brigadoon" revival and likely doesn’t have the same goals. The tension between the update’s good intentions and the tendency of musical comedy to traffic in amusing caricatures is evident. The revival of these musicals is a reminder of the power of music to transcend time and connect us to a more optimistic era of storytelling.
