August 4, 2005

Michele Johnston stars in Foothill’s ‘Brigadoon’

Michele Johnston seems to be the only one who was surprised when she was picked for the lead role in Foothill College’s music theatre production of “Brigadoon.”

Michele Johnston as Fiona and Tim Reynolds as Tommy lead the cast of “Brigadoon” at Foothill Smithwick Theatre.

Johnston, who plays Fiona, is a 30-year-old mother who graduated from San Jose State with a degree in the creative arts and a minor in musical theater. She grew up in San Jose and has lived in the area ever since. Johnston attends an Almaden area church, Church of the Chimes, with her husband and nearly 2-year-old daughter Claire. She sings at the church services regularly.

“‘Brigadoon’ has been a growing experience. I’d love to do more shows,” she told the Times. “I have always wanted to work with Foothill. I auditioned and really didn’t expect them to pick me, but they did. I was delighted and honored. It’s a real treat to do this.”

This isn’t the only acting Johnston has done lately. She and her daughter recently acted in a scene in an upcoming movie called “Just Like Heaven” starring Reese Witherspoon.

“They were looking for a mom and a baby. We got to sit in the park on a cool, sunny day in San Francisco. We were lucky it wasn’t raining.”

“Brigadoon” is the tale set in the Scottish highlands of a city that only appears once every 100 years. It’s a magical tale set to music about a man from New York who falls in love with a Scottish maiden. The Foothill production includes a cast of 50 singers, dancers and actors. The play is accompanied by a full, live orchestra with all new sets and costumes.

Lerner and Loewe’s “Brigadoon” is playing through Aug. 14 at Foothill’s Smithwick Theatre at 12345 El Monte Road in Los Altos. Evening performances are Aug. 4-6 and 11-14 at 8 p.m. with matinees on Aug. 7 and 14 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $24 for general admission, $22 for seniors, $18 for students and $10 for children under age 12, and can be purchased online at Ticket Web or at the box office. Phone (650) 949-7360 or the 24-hour charge-by-phone hotline at (650) 949-7414.