By Stephanie Cousins
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is SCERA Shell Outdoor Theater’s 161st production in Orem, Utah, and it dazzles. The musical is based on the 1954 film of the same name written by Lawrence Kasha and David Landay, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn added seven additional songs when the show was first produced for Broadway in 1978. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is a story that, though far-fetched, is still charming: Boy meets girl, boy’s brothers want girls, boys go find girls. Chaos ensues. But they find love.
Adam Pontipee, played by Duncan Johnson, looks the part of a true mountain man, and has a range as varied as the mountains valleys he roams. His sonorous voice resonates as he saunters through the production, an appropriate level of pride and aloofness imbued in his character, allowing him to grow over the course of the show. Alyssa Baumgarten, asMilly Bradon, has effortless beauty to her voice that is smooth and melifluous. Baumgarten shines each time she sings, “You’ve Got to Make it Through the Winter” being one of her best moments. Milly’s predicament finds emotion and expression in Baumgarten’s portrayal, encouraging a natural empathy for the character. She and Johnson have incredible chemistry and really sell the validity of the whirlwind situation in which they find each other. They are soon joined by the clan of brothers, including Daniel Bradley, McKay Horton, Brodee Ripple, Mike Kim, Emerson Earnshaw, and Cole Hixson. The brothers each shine in turn and have many talents, showcased in Horton’s goofy personality, Kim’s physical comedy, Earnshaw’s acrobatics, and Ripple’s timing, to name a few. “Love Never Goes Away,” impressively sung in counterpoint by Hixson, Johnson, and Baumgarten, is just one example of the beautiful blends musical director Allison Books orchestrates. Each harmony is a highlight, from the robust and powerful “Sobbin’ Women,” to the sweet “Glad That You Were Born.” It is clear that musicality is not limited to the two leads.
An enchanting feature of the show, brides Olivia Keating, Shelby Allgaier, Kaitlyn Powell, Hannah Thomas, Savannah Carrasco, and Grace Oborn develop relatable lovable characters we root for from the first count of eight. They are in turns funny, melodious, elegant, and loving. The arc of each bride’s relationship with her mate is well-thought out and fun to witness.
Choreographer Chantelle Wells showcases the experience, grace, and beauty in not only the brides but in the entire ensemble. Often in community theater, dance breaks are barely watchable or cut entirely. Wells leans into the dance breaks aided by her capable cast and fulfills the original intended purpose – to entertain. Rather than suffering through an instrumental section and wishing the singing would start again, the audience is on the edge of its collective seat, anxiously awaiting the next lift, barrel roll, or creative combination. Of particular note (in addition to the brides and brothers) are the six male dancers in the cast, Samuel Lyon, Christian Ayer, Ryan Migliore, Daniel Bentley, Cade Bunker, and Ethan Freestone, showing the audience that Utah Valley has a seemingly endless pool of talented entertainers.
Not to be forgotten are the more seasoned actors in the show, Mark Buffington, Ina Fontana, Charles Graves, Janet Greenhalgh, and Stanley Johnson. They add gravitas and believability to the show, while providing additional comedic interludes and subtly reminding us of the history and hardship surrounding the settling of the US frontier.
While surviving in the frontier may have been rough, the frontier scenery in Seven Brides suggests otherwise. Against the beautiful backdrop of Mount Timpanogos, the stage is set and painted as an idyllic mountain town. Set designer Shawn Herrera has a great canvas to work with and uses it to its utmost, aided by scenic artists Rachael Gibson and Faith Sage.
The scenery includes peaceful snow and later some more intense special effects that add to the landscape. These effects, along with elaborate fight scenes and comedic bit after comedic bit are some of the many examples of director Michael Carrasco’s expansive vision.
In a large show that involves at least 17 miked actors and is produced in an outdoor venue, the sound could pose a challenge, but sound designer and audio engineer Chase Elison pulls it off without a hitch, even picking up toe-tapping during musical numbers and perfectly balancing fourteen or more singers at once, enhancing the beautiful harmonies even further. The levels are spot on and make for an enjoyable listening experience.
This production goes above and beyond with one final detail that brings the show to life. Great care is given to the costumes and footwear of the cast. Costume designer Kelsey Seaver and her team of stitchers bring the old west front and center with many handmade pieces and authentic looking garb. A bright color palette and period-specific patterns enhance the vibe and ambience onstage.
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theaterendears itself to young and old. The large cast engages and entertains. It is not possible to witness all its magic in one night. Through laugh out loud antics, seven enrapturing love stories, and twice that many dynamic personalities, SCERA puts on a show that audiences will want to return to see again and again.
SCERA Shell Outdoor Theater presents Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Book by Lawrence Kasha and David Landay, Lyrics by Johnny Mercer, Additional songs by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn.
SCERA Shell Outdoor Theater, 600 S 400 E, Orem, UT 84097
July 30-31, August 2-3, 5-7, 9, 12-14, 2021 8:00 PM
Tickets $10-$20—there is seating available, or you can bring your own chair or blankets. Buy Tickets Here
Contact: 801-255-ARTS
Seven Brides For Seven Brothers | Facebook Event
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View the playbill
Photos by Rachael Gibson
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