By Angelina DaSilva
This summer, South Valley Youth Theater presents a colorful and exuberant version of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at the Alder Amphitheater at the Salt Lake Community College Campus in Taylorsville. I was overwhelmed that a youth group did such a lovely, committed production.
South Valley Youth Theater’s production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is directed by Jessie Ibrahim, President of SVYT, and student directed by Camille Perkins. Together with cast and crew they create a bright, lively show that features highlights of musical as well as acrobatic nature.
In Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, you will see woodsman Adam (Perkins), oldest of seven brothers, venture from his home to find wives for himself and his younger siblings. In a nearby township, he meets the independent and feisty Milly (Hekking) and quickly convinces her that by marrying him she can escape her tiring life as the town’s cook. He whisks her away and not before long Milly discovers that she ended up with six rambunctious and brutish brothers in law. Milly does her best to turn the whole lot of them into polite, well-mannered men that she plots to pair off with six lovely young women. This does not keep Adam from taking charge and talking his younger brothers into taking a shortcut to traditional courting. Havoc ensues when the seven of them sneak into town to abduct six young women. The plot and character developments within this show are somewhat hard to believe and make Seven Brides for Seven Brothers a questionable choice for SVYT’s lovable cast.
Music director Jeannine Hawkins and technical director Josh Hawkins worked with the cast to create showstopping solo pieces as well as exciting ensemble numbers. The cast was accompanied by Cassie Lorensen. Vocally, Milly (Hekking) stands out with a bright and clear singing voice. She demonstrates excellent vocal command with a well balanced mix of bright and rich. Kartchner Perkins creates a playful, lovable Adam with an energetic and clear voice. Garan Maughan, portraying brother Caleb, stands out with a warm, smooth voice. The second oldest brother, Benjamin, gets his charming, bold air from Jeremiah Sandberg, who proves himself to be a confident, engaging all-around performer. Sandberg fully commits, especially when it comes to choreography and shows a lovely sense of physical awareness.
Exuberant performances and the guidance of choreographers Spencer Bickel and Emily Morris make this show’s choreography a creative highlight. Its liveliness and playfulness make for an excited and engaged audience. In many places the choreography adds humor and sass. Key moments in the choreography feature Martha (Melissa Smith), a seemingly effortless dancer with the most precise timing. Smith is the kind of performer you notice before you have any idea who is who within the play. She is indubitably one of the most well-rounded performers of the show. Her elegance is matched only by Hekking. Sarah Weyrich adds to the choreography as a joyful and confident dancer. In the ensemble dance pieces, Weyrich acts as a leading force and role model for the other performers.
Another highlight of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is the delightfully vibrant costume design. Head costumer Cheryl Thomas used her tools to set a playful,colorful tone for the show. The costuming helped the audience keep track of who is who in a cast of over forty actors, dancers and singers. Color matching the brothers with each of their brides was an effective choice that also adds a bright splash to the show’s motif. I especially enjoyed the costuming for Milly, as well as the seven brothers.
When it comes to the acting in SVYT’s production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, 
Hekking shines once more. She demands the audience’s attention with her own unwavering focus. Hekking continues to impress with clear as day diction and the most consistent and believable accent out of the entire cast. Smith’s acting choices give her Martha a sweet and delicate presence. I especially enjoyed Sandberg’s passionate and committed performance of Benjamin. His comedic timing is on point. The same can be said about Jackson McKenna. He gifts Gideon with a childlike innocence and vulnerability that make Gideon one of the most lovable characters in the show. Brynndi 
Troff creates a sugary sweet Alice and convinces with a genuine, warm performance as well as clear diction. Perkins, who plays Adam in both casts, delivers an urgent performance and stays professional and focused despite technical difficulties. Lilly Snow delivers a soft and gentle Sarah, while Katerina McAllister creates a bright, bubbly Dorcas. This cast’s Ruth (Chelsea Ottley) adds a genuine, gentle quality to the show. Loren Yancey shows us a funny and vulnerable Frank. Daniel, (Colby Mallet), has a charismatic and confident air about him. Spencer Bickel is an enthusiastic and engaged Ephraim.
The Alder Amphitheater offers a lovely venue, where the seating is ample and your view is unconstricted. The spacious stage makes a sizeable and multifunctional set designed by Jessie Ibrahim and Josh Hawkins possible. The set creates a welcoming and rustic atmosphere and gets the audience excited before they lay eyes on a single performer. Come prepared for an outdoor theater; feel free to bring cushions to sit on, sunscreen, bug spray, and perhaps a sweater.
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There is no need to bring your own snacks or drinks since South Valley Youth Theater offers “Concessions for a cause”. You cannot miss the SVYT concessions stand with a wide variety of snacks and drinks. Every snack, ranging from nuts and apples to chocolate and skittles and every drink including water, and an assortment of sodas cost $1 each. Half of all proceeds from concessions will be donated to the medical expense fund of 17-year-old Drew Olsen, who was recently diagnosed with a rare seizure condition. Drew is not only a student at Copper Hills High 
School but also a friend to many of the SVYT cast. As you can see, “Concessions for a cause” is SVYT’s effort to give back to their community. To support them in that effort, you can either purchase concessions or make a direct donation to the cause at the concessions stand. Alternatively, you may visit the Olsen’s Go Fund Me page: GoFundMe.com/drew-olsen-medical-expense-fund.
All in all, South Valley Youth Theater’s production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers makes for an enjoyable evening filled with exciting performances. You may have to look past the choice of play, but I still say: Come! Come for the animated acting. Come for the vibrant costuming! Come for the exciting choreography! Come to support local youth theater with heart.
South Valley Youth Theater presents Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Salt Lake Community College Alder Amphitheater 4500 South Redwood Road, Salt Lake City August 11-12, 14, 18-19 7:00 PM, doors open at 6:30 PM
Tickets: $7
Contact: 801-691-2527
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