BWW Reviews: Rambunctious Production's SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS - Entertaining and Engaging

When the 1954 musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was initially adapted for the stage it didn't meet with much success on Broadway back in the early 1980's (film director Joshua Logan had actually optioned the story for a stage musical back in the 1950's). Yes, it's yet another adaptation culled from the big screen, which has been par for the course at The Muny this season, although to be fair, most of them have fared quite well, and actually, with its old fashioned themes, original CinemaScope filming, and rustic backdrops, this one fits the huge Muny boards like a glove, allowing the natural beauty of the trees that grace the back area of the stage to fill in for the frontier setting as realized by Steve Gilliams' scenic design. It's also an energetic, dance driven show that's both entertaining and engaging.

Set in the 1850's in the Oregon territories, the plot follows Adam Pontipee as he ventures into town to find a wife. Oddly enough, he finds a superb one in the young and highly capable Milly, and they're hitched immediately. But, she doesn't count on having to live in a ramshackle cabin with Adam's six unkempt and uncouth brothers who she's expected to cook and clean up after. Thus, an idea is hatched to get these fellows shaped up and married off to six local girls. A lot of rollicking good fun and spirited action takes place as they determinedly move forward with their plan, although a few problems arise that derail them before a happy ending can occur.

James Clow returns to the Muny to play Adam after assaying the role previously, and he does his usually fine job, while Jenny Powers more than holds her own as the equally strong-willed Milly. Both show off a fine chemistry, particularly during the number "Love Never Goes Away". The brothers are played with considerable aplomb by Cameron Hobbs, Drew Humphrey, Andy Jones, Sam Lips, Colt Prattes, and Eric Santagata, while their prospective brides are played by Lily Froehlich, Kristy Hronick, Alexandra Matteo, Sarah Meahl, Cara Salerno, and Merrill West. All do a fine job singing and performing the athletic choreography of Pepper Clyde.

Mark Schneider does fine work directing the many players who populate the stage, and keeps the action moving along at a decent clip. The church social which erupts into a fight, and the barn raising scene are particularly well mounted. The original score by Johnny Mercer and Gene dePaul is augmented with more tunes by Al Kasha and Joel Hirshhorn, and the blend is barely noticeable, and neatly conducted by musical director Michael Horsley. The Kansas City Costume Company provides the color coded clothing so memorable from the original film, and it's all nicely lit by F. Mitchell Dana.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers may be a bit old hat for some, but it's an exuberant musical filled with peppy songs and dance numbers, and it continues at the Muny through August 7, 2011.

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