High energy musical comes to Show Palace

HUDSON Show Palace Dinner Theatre kicks off its 2010 season with the exciting and energetic new production of "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers." Based on the 1954 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film, it is a "beautiful show and has something for everyone," says Director Susan Haldeman.

"We are thrilled to present this exuberant and stunningly choreographed musical on the Show Palace Stage," said Matthew McGee, artistic director. Set designer Tom Hansen has painted six backdrops that will transport us back to the uncivilized Oregon territory of l850, where men outnumbered women 10 to one and women had the luxury of choosing exactly who they wanted to marry. But sometimes the pickings were slim.

The seven Pontipee brothers share a cabin high in the mountains, and live pretty much like mountain men of that era, with little regard for manners and how to behave around women. Oldest brother Adam (Christopher Sanders) goes into town and meets Milly (Sara Arikian) a local waitress. They rush into marriage and return to the cabin, where Milly envisions herself living happily ever after with Adam alone in the cabin. Milly is quite surprised to learn that she must share the cabin with Adam's six unruly and unkempt brothers. She obviously has her work cut out for her and being the strong, opinionated woman that she is, she decides to reform these mountain men into true gentlemen.

She teaches them some manners and how to dance so they can woo their brides appropriately. They then all go into town for the big seasonal dance in the hopes of getting a wife. The conflict begins when each of the six girls they choose has a jealous suitor. The brothers return to their cabin and after Adam reads them a story of the "Sobbin Women," they decide to kidnap their women, just like the hero did in the story. They head into town and do just that.

After arriving back at the cabin with their women, the brothers force an avalanche which cuts off the pursuit of the suitors, but now winter is setting in. Milly is furious at Adam for giving them the idea of kidnapping in the first place, and she and Adam argue heatedly. Adam heads up into the high mountains to escape her fury. Milly then bans the rowdy brothers to the barn for the winter. By the time spring arrives and the snow clears, the angry suitors return up the mountain to find that their girls are now hopelessly in love with these brothers.

Haldeman said that McGee had a challenge in casting the show in that the 25 actors all had to be "ultra talented" dancers who could also sing and act well. "We are very fortunate to have this cast," said Haldeman. "Christopher Sanders, who plays Adam, is probably one of the best male vocalists we have ever seen on our stage. He has a big booming baritone voice." As we all know, behind every strong man stands a strong woman, and Arikdian as Milly is the tough frontier woman who touches everyone's life and brings about positive changes that impact these men's lives forever. "Sarah is a strong, beautiful soprano. The two of them singing together is just phenomenal."

Haldeman is the production stage manager, and also a seasoned performer on the Show Palace stage. She directed "Nunsense Amen" last summer. "I have always loved this show," said Haldeman, who jumped at the chance to direct it. "The story is a great story, with upbeat lively music, and beautiful choreography by Chris and Shanna Sell, and just fabulous dancing."

Haldeman wanted a vibrant and colorful show, and says that Hansen's set design, combined with Costumer Angela D. Hoerner's beautiful costumes really bring this musical to life. Hoerner created all the costumes, using beautiful fabrics and patterns that reflect the pioneer times.

The supporting cast features Broadway veteran Timothy Ellis (Benjamin), John Henderson (Caleb), Eric Hensley (Daniel), David Tanciar (Ephraim), Michael Hildebrandt (Frank), Patrick McGee (Gideon), Patricia James (Dorcas), Casey Shea (Ruth), Chelsea Diggs-Smith (Liza), Lacey Vasquez (Martha), Adrienne Bergeron (Sarah), and Evie Hutton (Alice). Other ensemble members include Rick Kistner, Bob Wells, Eric Swearingen, Jenni Harrison, Ben Simpson, Troy Lafon, Joel Gennari, Dustin Goracio, Corey Matos, Teddy Toye and Megan Sell.

"Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" runs through Feb. 21 at the Show Palace Dinner Theatre, 16128 U. S. 19, Hudson.

Doors open two hours before each show for dinner and cocktails. On Sundays, the doors open at 1 p.m. and show starts at 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday night performances begin at 8 p. m., and doors open for dinner and cocktails at 6 p.m. Matinees are available on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Doors open for dinner and cocktails at 11:30 a.m. and shows start at 1:15 p.m. Tickets are $46, plus tax for dinner and show. Show only is $34.95 plus tax. Children 12 or younger are $28.45 or $23.45 for show only. Call 727-863-7949 or 888-655-7469 to reserve tickets.