Seven Brides For Seven Brothers - Review (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Seven Brides For Seven Brothers - Review

10:05am Wednesday 8th July 2009

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Serious American composers may disagree, but I believe that the finest and most individual contribution by the United States to the Lyric Theatre is the American Musical.

In particular I refer to that string of popular pieces that demonstrate the historical evolution from early pioneering days. Take Porgy and Bess, Show Boat , Annie Get Your Gun, and Okhahoma! for example; and pleasing lesser pieces like Paint Your Wagon and Calamity Jane.

To these latter can most surely be added the gregarious Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

Based on a 1954 film and first presented in the late 1970’s, it is a vigorous romp on no account to be taken seriously. Gene de Paul’s often familiar tunes combined with Chris Hocking’s skilled direction and marvellous choreography make for a thoroughly happy show, an occasion when one can leave one’s brains at home and just sit and wallow.

The plot goes back to outback Oregon in 1850 when seven bachelor hill-billies need women in their lives. The leader, Adam goes to town and barnstorms the pretty Milly into marriage. Similar attempts by the others fail - so they kidnap six girls. Inevitably there are disagreements. Millie is furious and forbids co-habitation. Adam sulks in the mountains. However Millie has Adam‘s baby girl and then, inevitably, they all marry happily.

Susan McFadden’s Millie was very good indeed, beautifully sung and well characterised. Steven Houghton’s Adam was also commendable, though sometimes seemingly a little ill at ease.

Stan Meares

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