Another Night, Another Show - a review from Paul Nickels
Had fun Friday going to see the opening night of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at the Electric Theater. This is a stage version of the movie musical classic. First, a plug for some people that I know: New in the community? If you want your youngster to get involved in something that is a guaranteed positive experience, engaging with other young people and building confidence and problem-solving life skills, send them to Encore Performing Arts. Your first step would be to come to a performance of this latest full musical production to see the fruits of their dream to provide extraordinary theater experiences for young people. A team of trained professional actors and theater mentors will guide them to discover their abilities in music, dance and acting - and the sheer joy of performing!
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I’ve seen four other community productions of this beloved musical with a mixture of adults and high schoolers, and this group of 12 to 18 year old kids hold their own in comparison. These young actors know why they’re on stage and what they are doing. Leads were capable and convincing; Ensemble were well-trained and effective. Andrew Orton as Adam Pontipee is big and bullish enough to be the boss of six brothers, with a voice that can still woo a woman. (“Bless yore beautiful hide!”) Haven Record as Millie is sweet and “sassy” enough to bewitch her feminine way into being the real ruler of the roost. (Goin’ Courtin”) The brothers are a mischievous lot, but keep your eye on Fisher Leonard and Malakai Naivalu as Frank and Gideon. (“Are you afraid of mice?”)
Why you should see the show: If you have never, you’ll be in for a treat! The plot is a cross between boy-meets-girl and shotgun weddings, so it’s a happy ending times seven! The action suggests West-Side-Story type turf battles, with girls’ affections the alternative to tragedy. (By the way, actor/dancer Russ Tamblyn was in both movies.) It is a feel-good show set in the days of taming the good old west (Oregon, 1850), when mountain-men were tough and resourceful but good women did most of the taming! If you know the show, you’ll want to revisit some favorite moments: “What do I need manners for? I’ve already got me a wife!”; the raucous “Sobbin’ Women” prelude to girl-knapping; the love-sick mountain men banished to the barn, “We gotta make it through the winter”. As both boys and girls wait for Spring to thaw hearts and roads, the harmony in the Reprise was so well-done that I had to ask if it was “sweetened” with recorded voices - Nope, just the real deal - kids with talent!
Personal note: I saw the movie in 1954 and it imprinted indelibly in my musical hide. I did a good bit of “lonesome polecat”- ting in my young imagination, so the musical has remained a favorite memory. You might know that Julie Newmar, the actress who played Dorcas in the original movie, is still alive and well, as is Ruta Lee (Ruth) and the afore-mentioned Russ Tamblyn (Gideon.) When remembering musical legends, it’s nice to know some are still around!
Check ENCORE for showtimes through October 6 at the Electric Theater.
