REVIEW: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
5th Avenue Theatre
The 5th Avenue Theatre, opened their season with an only so-so pre-Broadway production of Shrek the Musical, but they have scored again by featuring two excellent musicals in a row. First, with Drowsy Chaperone last month and now with the latest production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. My preview was here.
Initially, my thinking was how they would take the iconic 1954 movie and adapt it for a contemporary stage audience. Well, they did it. First off, the sets are quite impressive depicting the woodsy Oregon Territory during the 1850’s with a stunning mountain view. It is impressive how the brother’s cabin instantly transforms from the outside view to the inside view by leaving the cabin wall and door stationary and only changing the objects around it. At one point when the brothers kidnap and escape with their future brides they successfully simulate an impressive avalanche which prevents the town from pursuing the smitten family.
The brothers have a dance-off with the town folk before the end of ACT I that is so acrobatic that it will probably stick in your mind for long after the production is over. The brothers take several opportunities to demonstrate their manliness by removing their shirts and other clothing throughout the musical. Early in the musical, Milly is determined to wash the brother’s dingy clothing and underwear, so they walk around the cabin covered only with a rug blanket. Here is a feature I did on actor Karl Warden.
The play is full of funny one liners and it is the kind of captivating lighthearted story that I expect from a musical such as this. Overall, the musical stays pretty true to the movie with just a few changes here and there. But having to sit through so many non-musical productions this month, I felt this one is a welcomed and entertaining addition for the holiday season.
Surprisingly, the 5th Avenue Theatre is offering tickets to Seven Brides for Seven Brothers that start at just $22. Visit www.5thavenue.org for more info and remember that there is no service charge when purchasing tickets in person at The 5th Avenue Theatre Box Office.
If you are thinking about a Season Subscription for the remaining 5th Avenue Theatre productions (Grease with Taylor Hicks; Memphis; Hello, Dolly with Jenifer Lewis; and Sunday in the Park with George with music by Stephen Sondheim) consider signing up for the Q Club, which provides a reception for the LGBT community at 7pm on the second Friday of every production. That event is catered by Palomino and they serve up some good grub and cocktails and includes a complimentary themed cocktail. No more trying to rush dinner at a restaurant – you can eat well, have a drink, and still get to your seat right on time. Ask the box office for details about adding this feature.
