Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (St Alphege Musical Production Society)
Whilst one of the most well known Musical Movies of the 1950s (1955 to be precise) Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is surprisingly rarely performed as a stage production on either the professional or amateur circuits and I suspect this may be down to the scary volume of choreography involved, whilst there are some timeless songs such as 'Bless Your Beautiful Hide', 'Wonderful, Wonderful Day' and 'Spring, Spring, Spring' it is probably the dance routines that it is particularly remembered for and that may lead to it not being a regular choice.
Fortunately for the audience at Solihull Core Theatre this challenge does not remotely concern Director/Choreographer, Robert Bateman or Assistant Choreographer, Ellen Tozer (who both appear in the production as well, a frightening level of commitment and talent) and leads to an action packed performance, filling the stage to almost overflowing.
Leading the cast are Richard Bateman as Adam Pontipee, eldest of the seven brothers and Nicky Ginns as his unwitting bride Milly Bradon, thinking she is about to commence an idyllic life on a farm in the hills, only to find that she is to be cook and cleaner for seven backwoods hicks. Both of these lead players have powerful vocals and captivating stage presence but, there is something rich and earthy about Nicky's voice that makes it really enjoyable to listen to and particularly appropriate for the era and the songs concerned.
Adam’s six brothers are Benjamin (Sam Walton), Caleb (Gregory March), Daniel (Kieran Scott), Ephraim (Luke Davies), Frank (Robert Bateman) and youngest Gideon (a winning performance from Nicholas Brady). It is fair to say that the sheer volume of movement these guys are expected to remember, not to mention dialogue and songs, is bordering on insane but, remember and execute they certainly do, in an authentic and professional way.
On the female side of the equation alongside Milly are Dorcas (Emma Kelly), Ruth (Audrey Martin), Liza (Alex Wheat), Martha (Becky Wicketts), Sarah (Melanie Bott) and Alice (Ellen Tozer) delivering equal amounts of action as skilfully as their male counterparts but, also exceptional levels of naive charm as girls who have been fundamentally protected from the wilder elements of the male of the species.
An extensive adult and youth ensemble cast create atmosphere in abundance for every scene in tandem with Musical Director, Phil Ypres-Smith's band, which means that the whole production delivers on every level, telling a story that is fundamentally about love and not believing everything that a first impression might look as if it is telling you.
Chances are you may not get an opportunity to see Seven Brides for Seven Brothers again soon and this particular production ends its run on Saturday 9th November 2019 so get hold of a ticket by whatever (legal) means you can, otherwise you'll be sobbin' like those women.
Book Here
Fortunately for the audience at Solihull Core Theatre this challenge does not remotely concern Director/Choreographer, Robert Bateman or Assistant Choreographer, Ellen Tozer (who both appear in the production as well, a frightening level of commitment and talent) and leads to an action packed performance, filling the stage to almost overflowing.
Leading the cast are Richard Bateman as Adam Pontipee, eldest of the seven brothers and Nicky Ginns as his unwitting bride Milly Bradon, thinking she is about to commence an idyllic life on a farm in the hills, only to find that she is to be cook and cleaner for seven backwoods hicks. Both of these lead players have powerful vocals and captivating stage presence but, there is something rich and earthy about Nicky's voice that makes it really enjoyable to listen to and particularly appropriate for the era and the songs concerned.
Adam’s six brothers are Benjamin (Sam Walton), Caleb (Gregory March), Daniel (Kieran Scott), Ephraim (Luke Davies), Frank (Robert Bateman) and youngest Gideon (a winning performance from Nicholas Brady). It is fair to say that the sheer volume of movement these guys are expected to remember, not to mention dialogue and songs, is bordering on insane but, remember and execute they certainly do, in an authentic and professional way.
On the female side of the equation alongside Milly are Dorcas (Emma Kelly), Ruth (Audrey Martin), Liza (Alex Wheat), Martha (Becky Wicketts), Sarah (Melanie Bott) and Alice (Ellen Tozer) delivering equal amounts of action as skilfully as their male counterparts but, also exceptional levels of naive charm as girls who have been fundamentally protected from the wilder elements of the male of the species.
An extensive adult and youth ensemble cast create atmosphere in abundance for every scene in tandem with Musical Director, Phil Ypres-Smith's band, which means that the whole production delivers on every level, telling a story that is fundamentally about love and not believing everything that a first impression might look as if it is telling you.
Chances are you may not get an opportunity to see Seven Brides for Seven Brothers again soon and this particular production ends its run on Saturday 9th November 2019 so get hold of a ticket by whatever (legal) means you can, otherwise you'll be sobbin' like those women.
Book Here
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