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Taken from "Easy Reader"
Theater Review
“Seven Brides…”
by Melinda Calvert
Published August 14, 2008
High-spirited entertainment with quick bursts of energy is only one way to describe the Torrance Theatre Company's newest production, "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” It has the magical effect of making the audience a part of the exuberance. Brilliantly paced, the story has something to please everyone, with a cast ranging from age four on up. From the rousing dance numbers to the unforgettable tunes and witty dialog, this charming play makes us forget the here and now as we are transported back in time to 1850s Oregon.
The musical is directed and choreographed by K.C Gussler, whose list of accomplishments includes his work on the productions of "Grease" and last season’s "West Side Story" He is undeniably one of the finest talents around and he effectively uses the James Armstrong stage to the maximum as the actors put on a show that retains many of the dance moves from the 1954 MGM film version. The dancers are sensational in their performance of many of these moves. I was blown away by their strength and stamina as they performed long and extremely physical sequences, especially during the lengthy barn dance number. During each routine the dancers take advantage of every prop within reach – tables, chairs, beds, whatever was handy – and use them to good effect.
The casting is excellent. Hats off to Diane Baker Bowler (in her debut appearance with TTC) as the strong willed Millie who seems to be able to cope with just about anything, and has to; and to August Stoten (debuting also) for his strong performance as Adam Pontipee, "the leader of the pack." When he returns to the backwoods from his semi-annual visit to town, he seems to have brought home more than the bacon. This time he has a wife in tow.
I don't know who is more surprised, Millie, or the stunned brothers. The boys, at first horrified, change their tune when Adam's new wife cooks them a meal to die for. Millie, on the other hand, is astonished and angry to find that Adam hadn't been up-front with her, intentionally leaving out the fact that he has six brothers living with him at home. It is at that moment that it becomes apparent to Millie that she has been duped into marrying Adam only so she can cook and clean up after him and his brothers. But Millie's tough. She’s handled rambunctious, ill-mannered men before at the cafe back in town. Why not now? She takes it upon herself to civilize her rowdy brothers-in-law for the sake of her own marriage. Millie eventually proves that although Adam maintains strict control over the men, she has become his equal in almost every way.
The cast is large and can be considered an ensemble, with many of the players having more than consequential roles. Starring as the brothers are Brad Fitzgerald as Benjamin, Kevin Paul as Caleb, Derek Rubiano as Daniel, Bradley Carnation as Ephraim, Whitney Ackerman as Frank, and Tyler Milliron as Gideon. The women who steal their hearts are Anne Arreguin as Alice, Anne Rene Brashier as Ruth, Sara Hone as Sarah, Sabrina Olivieri as Liza, Ally Van Deuren as Martha and Lucia Trozzi as Dorcus. Trozzi's overall look reminds me of Julie Newmar, who originated the film role version of Dorcus.
Guillermo De La Cruz as Joel, Oscar Gonzalez as Carl, Brandon Gomez as Jeb, Eric Karnes as Matt and Roy T. Okida as Luke play the men from town competing for the affections of the girls. The townsfolk are played by Chuck Chastain, Andrea Jakubczyk, Tyber Longacre, Lisa Valerie Morgan, Colleen Okida, Fiona Okida, and Craig Proctor; Noelle Rose, Cindy Shields, Katherine Simmons, Brian Sunshine, Glenda Wells, Kevin Wisney, and 4-year-old Ayden Wisney-Leonard.
While directing and choreographing this fine production, K.C Gussler is also the resident choreographer for the Disneyland resort. He has extensive theatrical background and does a superb job on this show. Rick Heckman is the Musical Director with Alan Holt as Associate Producer. Michael Aldapa once again is Stage-Manager. Nina Klousia handles the lighting and Daniel Alan Kinser works the sound. Gia Jordahl is the show's Producer.
With only a moment or two of microphone static, quickly corrected, this is an outstanding play and is appropriate for all ages. Get ready for a whopping good time! This one gets an A+.
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