Review: Hale Centre Theatre's SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS is Joyous

SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS at Hale Centre Theatre in West Valley is a joyous, heartfelt romp that is at once familiar and new.

SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS (book by Lawrence Kasha and David Landay, music by Gene de Paul, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, new songs by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn) is based on the 1954 MGM film set in frontier Oregon. When Adam Pontipee brings home his new bride, Millie, she is expected to care for not only her husband, but also his six rowdy younger brothers. It isn't long before his brothers set out to bring home wives of their own by kidnapping their sweethearts from the neighboring town.

The recently rewritten version of the show includes brand new songs and an updated book, in addition to the fan favorite numbers from the film and previous stage incarnations.

In an atypical move for this theatre company, the show is mostly single cast, with a handful of exceptions.

Dan Frederickson as Adam (double cast with Quinn Dietlein) is a wonderful match for the character. He has a winsome softer side that sometimes peaks out from behind the requisite bellowing voice and big presence.

Erin Royall Carlson as Milly has a beautiful singing voice and a personality that is just as lovely. However, just as present is a firecracker disposition that proves to the men around her that she is every bit their equal.

One of the highlights of the production is Matthew Sanguine as Adam's youngest brother Gideon. His performance features mellifluous vocals, sharp comedy, and even dramatic heft.

The remaining brothers and brides, who all fill their roles admirably, include Brock Dalgleish as Benjamin, Taylor Morris as Caleb (double cast with Jack David Shapiro), Christopher Gallacher as Daniel (double cast with Thomas Brandley), Patrick Wendel as Ephraim, Brian Nelson as Frank, Amelia Rose Moore as Dorcus (double cast with Brittany Sanders), Whitney Hatch as Ruth (double cast with Rebecca Burroughs), Kaitlyn Dahl as Liza, Jaymie Lambson as Martha, MaKenna Tinney as Sarah, and Kailey Azure Green as Alice.

The entire ensemble showcases remarkable dancing skills as they take on the upbeat, well-crafted choreography from Dave Tinney. Any lack of technique that may occasionally manifest itself is more than made up for in the jubilant spirit of the performances.

Costume designer Suzanne Carling takes her cues from this feeling of elation by utilizing bright colors and heightened designs with a decidedly contemporary flair.

Production and set designer Kacey Udy does his usual great work with a rustic set that effortlessly stands in for many locations while providing plenty of room for all that skirt swooshing, boot stomping choreography.

SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS plays through April 8, 2017. For tickets, call the box office at 801-984-9000 or visit www.halecentretheatre.org.

Photo Credit: L-R Dan Frederickson (Adam) and Erin Royall Carlson (Milly)

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