By Amy Metler
Farmington City Arts’ Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at Woodland Park in Farmington is a spectacular offering for summer 2018. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was one of the first musical productions Farmington City Arts performed and as they had no building at the time, Woodland Park was chosen as the venue. In honor, or that early experience, this year’s production was also held outdoors in the same location. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is a musical based on the 1954 movie with the same name by Stanley Donen. The film is based on a short story by Stephen Vincent Benet entitled The Sobbin’ Women. The musical was written by Lawrence Kasha and David Landay, lyrics by Johnny Mercer and music by Gene de Paul. New songs were added with music and lyrics by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is the tale of seven mountain men brothers and are ostracized by the good people in the town because of their rough and tumble fighting ways. The eldest brother, Adam, goes to town and convinces newcomer Milly to marry him. Adam expects a wife to cook and clean not only for him but also for his six brothers; however, Milly expects more of a partnership with love. Milly does quickly become endeared to the six brothers and teaches them manners and how to property court a lady. Their new skills are put to the test as the brothers find six women of the town they simply cannot live without. The boys decide to kidnap the girls and take them back up the mountain to marry and while upset at first, the girls are won over by the brothers’ charms.
I was a little nervous for how this musical would work in the park, but I was pleasantly surprised with how well Director Megan Gibbs uses the space and a simple set that easily transforms from a street in the town to cabin in the mountains. Gibbs is also very creative in how she uses her ensemble and is able to give them maximum stage time. Oftentimes sound becomes an issue in large outdoor spaces, I am not sure what measures were taken, but every actor can be heard. The stage has a couple of levels allowing all actors to be seen, and I enjoyed the playful, fighting, loving way the brothers interact–just like you’d expect real brothers to behave.
Luke Merkley’s Adam has a commanding presence on stage and easily portrays the head of the household, and leader of the brothers. During one of Merkley’s songs, a piece of scenery fell over causing a commotion; however, he did not react, even though the audience did, and he kept on going. Then a little while later as he was walking up a set of wooden stairs, one of the planks snapped in half. Although he fell, Merkely got up and continued his performance as though it was part of the script. Small mishaps are part of the fun of live theater, but it’s always nice when actors are not rattled (or hurt) by them.
Hannah Gibson-White is a fun-loving Milly, but also full of sass and just enough sternness to get Adam and his brothers to behave as she likes. Gibson-White has a beautiful voice and brings such joy to the stage, and although I generally prefer the brothers, she was definitely my favorite of the night.
The brothers are a great bunch of characters that make or break this show. Adam Hellewell as Frank has amazing comedic timing and keeps the audience on their toes wondering what he’ll do next. Kirtlan Morris as Gideon is perfectly endearing as the youngest brother, and your heart breaks along with him at his realization that his oldest brother and hero isn’t always right and can make mistakes, too.
Production staff Melissa Clark, Ali Trevino, Megan Gibbs, and Luke Merkley as choreographer, music director, and set designer create a lovely musical that has singing and dancing talent on a wonderful set that all can appreciate and enjoy.
There is an adorable concession stand that fits right in with the scenery and in addition to the usual treats you may find, they serve fresh, hot scones, homemade lemonade, and ice cream. There is no seating so you need to bring either a blanket for sitting on the grass or chairs to set up. It is a short walk through the park to get to the stage, and there are accommodations for those patrons who are in wheelchairs or have difficulty walking.
Farmington City Arts’ Seven Brides for Seven Brothers provides a very enjoyable evening and the production held the attention of the five children I had with me, plus all the ones around us. It’s a great family outing or perfect for a date night, too. So grab your brothers, their brides, and all your friends and family and head out to Woodland Park for a fun time under the stars.
Farmington City Arts presents Seven Brides for Seven Brothers book by Lawrence Kasha and David Landay, music by Johnny Mercer, lyrics by Gene de Paul, new songs by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn.
Woodland Park, 300 South 200 East, Farmington, Utah 84025
July 31, August 1- 4, 6 8:00 PM, doors open at 7:30 PM.
Tickets: $6-$7. May be purchased at the door or online
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Facebook Event
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