'Seven Brides' Heads to Paper Mill, April 11-May 13

Paper Mill Playhouse will present Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (April 11, 2007-May 13, 2007).  The press opening is Sunday, April 15th at 7:30 pm.

This newly reworked, premiere production, directed by Scott Schwartz (Bat Boy, tick, tick...BOOM) and choreographed by Patti Colombo (Peter Pan), is based on "The Sobbin' Women" by Stephen Vincent Benet and the 1954 Stanley Donen-directed film. Beloved for its rousing songs and show-stopping dance numbers, this production authentically evokes the 1850's Oregon wilderness.  This new production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, featuring all-new sets (created by Paper Mill's Scene Shop) and several new songs, will tour to Theater Under the Stars in Houston, North Shore Music Theatre in Massachusetts, and Theater of the Stars in Georgia. 

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers has music by Gene de Paul, lyrics by Johnny Mercer (who penned the movie songs), and a book by Lawrence Kasha and David S. Landay. New songs were created by Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn with music by Saul Chaplin and de Paul, and lyrics by Mercer. In addition, several new songs including "I Married Seven Brothers" and "Where Were You," Paper Mill's production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers will feature favorites such as "Bless Your Beautiful Hide," and "Wonderful, Wonderful Day."

The creative team for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers includes: Tom Helm (Musical Director) known for his years of work with Paper Mill Playhouse, Don Holder (Lighting Designer) Tony-nominee and multiple winner for shows including: The Lion King, The Apple Tree, Movin' Out, and The Boy From Oz, Christopher "Kit" Bond and Randy Hanson (Sound Designers) with over 40 top New York and national touring productions each, Jess Goldstein (Costume Designer) Tony Award-winner for shows including: Jersey Boys and The Rivals and Anna Louizos (Set Designer), who designed sets on Broadway for Avenue Q, High Fidelity, and Curtains.

"Set in 1850's Oregon territory, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers tells the story of Adam and his brothers' pursuit of brides. Adam, the eldest of seven brothers, goes to town to get a wife and convinces a young woman named Milly to marry him that same day. They return to his backwoods home, only for Milly to discover that all six of Adam's brothers also live in the log cabin. She sets out to reform the uncouth siblings, who are anxious to get wives of their own. Then, Adam develops an inspired solution to his brothers' loneliness…kidnap the women they want!," state press materials.

The company of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is led by veteran actors Michelle Dawson (Milly) and Edward Watts (Adam).   Dawson starred on Broadway in Ragtime (Evelyn Nesbit), Show Boat (Magnolia), and Cyrano, The Musical.  Watts appeared on Broadway in The Most Happy Fella (Joe) at New York City Opera. 

The production will also feature Jason Babinsky as Joel, Becky Barta as Mrs. Sanders, Randy Bobish as Benjamin, Ryan Christopher Chotto as Zeke, Christian Del Croix as Gideon, Christina Rae Hedrick, Cameron Henderson as Jeb, Nathan Hershberger, Sarah Marie Jenkins as Alice, TRavis Kelley as Ephraim, Luke Longacre as Caleb, Kate Marilley as Ruth, Andy Paterson as Mr. Hoallum, Denise Payne as Liza, Benjie Randall as Matt, Luke Rawlings as Luke, Shane Rhoades as Swing, Eric Sciotto as Frank, Dan Sharkey as Mr. Sanders, Tina Stafford as Mrs. Hoallum, Tiffany Sudol as a Swing, Nick Sullivan as Preacher, and Karl Warden as Daniel.           

"To coincide with the mainstage production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Renee Foosaner Art Gallery, located on the Mezzanine level of the theatre, continues its series of special art displays with "Photographic Moments in Historic Oregon." Courtesy of The Oregon Historical Society, this selection of intriguing photographic moments sets the scene for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers as it touches upon daily life and provides a sense of the diverse people and landscapes that make up the rich history of Oregon. The collection of 50 black and white photographs spans the 1850s to the early 1900s providing a glimpse of farming, mining, fishing, logging, transportation, beautiful landscapes (Celilo Falls, Three Sisters and Mt. Hood), and turn-of-the-century town living (Oceanside, Portland, Ashland, Salem and Bend). The exhibit features works by renowned photographer Carleton E. Watkins, considered the finest American landscape photographer of the 19th century. The Renee Foosaner Art Gallery is open one hour prior to performances and during intermission.  Admission to the exhibits is free.  This special exhibition will be on display from April 11-May 13."

The 2006-2007 season concludes with Pirates! (June 6-July 15, 2007) a new adaptation based on Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers will play the following performance schedule: Wednesdays at 7:30PM, Thursdays at 2:00PM & 7:30PM, Fridays at 8:00PM, Saturdays at 2:00PM & 8:00PM and Sundays at 2:00PM & 7:30PM.  Single tickets are now on sale and range in price from $19 to $68.  Student rush tickets are $16.25 and are available the day of performance in person with current student ID. Tickets may be purchased by calling 973-376-4343, or at the Paper Mill Box Office on Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.papermill.org.  Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted.