Brigadoon: a musical play in two acts

by Alan Jay Lerner, Frederick Loewe

Lerner and Loewe's heartwarming, ever-favorite story. Includes 200 pages of songs, incidental music and dialogue cues.

Genres: Plays, Classics, Music, Fiction, Theatre, Fantasy, Drama

138 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1947

About the author

Alan Jay Lerner was an American lyricist and librettist whose work helped define the golden age of musical theatre, on stage and on screen. Born in New York City to a cultured and well connected family, he was educated in England and the United States, studying at Bedales School, Choate, and Harvard, where his lifelong love for musical theatre took shape through the Hasty Pudding productions. Like several of his contemporaries, Lerner began his professional path while still a student, combining literary wit with an instinctive feel for character and song. An accident during his Harvard years left him blind in one eye, preventing military service during World War II and redirecting him toward writing for radio before he entered the theatre world full time. His career changed decisively after meeting composer Frederick Loewe in the early 1940s, a partnership that would become one of the most celebrated in musical theatre history. Together they created works that blended romance, intelligence, and emotional clarity, beginning with early efforts and achieving major success with Brigadoon, Paint Your Wagon, and later the landmark My Fair Lady. Their adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion became a cultural phenomenon, breaking box office records and later winning multiple Academy Awards in its film version. The Lerner and Loewe collaboration continued with the film musical Gigi and the Arthurian epic Camelot, whose themes of idealism and loss came to resonate far beyond the stage. Outside this partnership, Lerner worked with composers such as Kurt Weill, Burton Lane, André Previn, Leonard Bernstein, and Charles Strouse, experiencing both triumphs and notable disappointments. His career was marked by ambition, perfectionism, and frequent personal turmoil, including health struggles and financial instability. Lerner also played an important role as an advocate for writers’ rights, serving as president of the Dramatists Guild of America in the early 1960s. He received numerous honors, including multiple Tony Awards, Academy Awards, and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In his later years he reflected on his career in books that combined memoir, criticism, and affectionate insight into the art of musical theatre. Despite professional decline and personal difficulties, his influence endured. Alan Jay Lerner died in 1986, leaving behind songs and stories that remain central to the musical theatre repertoire, admired for their elegance, emotional honesty, and enduring humanity.

Reviews

[Sara]

I haven't actually read this, but I've seen the musical so I'm going to count it as read.

[Madi Badger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a cute little musical!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have watched this telebision show more then a lot and every time it’s on it just enthralls me and makes me happy so got this book and it has a special place on my bookshelf and in my heart! Such an adorable loving disappearing town in such simplicity just brings joy so easily! Of course, it helps it you can read music!

[Micheal Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saw the movie, loved it! When reading it, you catch so much more of the story, the characters, the interplay, the fun, the romance---the book allows you to absorb the story, not just have it play for you, catch what you can. Highly recommended!!!

[Aleigha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is honestly a fun lovely whimsical read and it just makes me want to go see the play now.

[Susan Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The musical score from this play and movie are memorable, lilting, and thematically perfect for the story. I enjoy it, always.

🎼 Recommended.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the musical being performed by our high school this year. I was chosen as one of the couple violins to play in the pit. The story is wonderful, albeit the end is quite cheesy, but it makes me smile. The songs are cute and pretty, and the jokes are great.

[Melinda · Rating 1 out of 5]

12/11 refused to watch (VHS a possible reason)

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer musical 1987. Done outdoors. Very cool. I was a townsperson & in special ensembles. VERY FUN!

[Aubrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely and catchy music! I would love to see the play now!

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the play, listened to the Broadway production, and watching the movie with Gene Kelly. I actually love this story. It is fun and light.

[Babor]

vdbfds

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely. A bit of a time capsule itself, very 1940s

[Tracy Schillemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Large cast, catchy songs, interesting costume opportunities.

[Carlos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing