The Barnstormers Theatre, America's oldest professional summer theatre, begins its 79th season with the beloved musical "Brigadoon" from July 7 to 11.

A mysterious Scottish village appears out of the mists for one day every hundred years. On that fateful day, two American hikers stumble into the village, where a wedding is about to be celebrated--an arrival that threatens the very existence of Brigadoon.

"'Brigadoon' is the perfect musical to kick off our summer season," says Bob Shea, artistic director of The Barnstormers Theatre. "It's a very atmospheric play, and the setting in the Scottish highlands is reminiscent of Tamworth where our theatre is located, with the mountains on one side and the lakes on the other."

Brigadoon was written and composed by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, creators of the hit musicals "My Fair Lady" and "Camelot." It opened on Broadway in 1947, where it introduced such classic songs as "Almost Like Being in Love," "The Heather on the Hill," and "There But for You Go I." Since then, it has seen three successful Broadway revivals.

The Barnstormers production features Kelly Rypkema (whose voice has been described as " clean, crystal clear and soothing" by talkingbroadway.com) playing Fiona MacLaren. Fiona wins the heart of American tourist Tommy Albright (Evan Siegel), to the dismay of his friend Jeff Douglas (Andrew Codispoti). A five-piece orchestra joins the cast of 28 singers and dancers.

Performances of "Brigadoon" are at 8 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, with an additional matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Friday night is Family Night at The Barnstormers, with family groups (containing at least one person age 18 or under) admitted for half price, available on the day of the show. The Barnstormers Theatre is air-conditioned and handicap accessible. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 603-323-8500 or visit the web site at http://www.barnstormerstheatre.org.