'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers' performances Friday and Saturday

Posted 2/7/17

PHS students will present “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” on Friday and Saturday, beginning at 7 p.m. each night at the PHS Auditorium.

“We have an exceptional cast that has been working very hard,” said director Bob Hunt. “The …

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'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers' performances Friday and Saturday

Posted

A musical filled with dancing, courting, brawling, a barn-raising and a shotgun wedding promises to entertain audiences at Powell High School this weekend.

PHS students will present “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” on Friday and Saturday, beginning at 7 p.m. each night at the PHS Auditorium.

“We have an exceptional cast that has been working very hard,” said director Bob Hunt. “The performance should be very enjoyable for the audience and the cast.”

Set in Oregon in 1850, the play tells the story of a young bride, Milly, who hopes to civilize and marry off her six rowdy brothers-in-law. Unfortunately, her plan backfires when the enthusiastic brothers kidnap six women from a neighboring town.

PHS senior Eliana Karhu stars as Milly, and described the play as “a fun Western style Snow White with a twist.”

She added that it’s full of musical numbers, funny moments and quirky characters.

“It’s a play that the whole family can enjoy,” Karhu said.

PHS senior Charlie Hall leads as Adam, Milly’s husband and the oldest of the seven brothers.

(See the full cast list below.)

With seven brothers — plus six male suitors — the musical requires more male actors than some plays. PHS boys stepped up to the challenge.

“We had quite a few guys who were interested, and that’s unusual,” Hunt said.

That was part of the reason Hunt decided to do the “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” this year.

“On a personal note, this is the first play that I was ever in,” Hunt said. “So, this one holds kind of a special place for me.”

Jeff Greaham is the vocal director for the play and Madisen McDonald did the choreography. McDonald was involved in past PHS productions as a student. It’s the first time she’s done choreography for a full play since graduating from PHS last year.

While it’s challenging at times, McDonald said it’s also been a rewarding experience.

“I do a lot of different styles of dance, but I had never done Western dancing before, so that was a lot of research,” she said. “But it’s a lot of fun.”

She said the PHS students picked up the dances quickly, and “they’re all doing really great.”

Karhu said it’s been rewarding to work with “such amazing and fun people ... both the cast and crew are so wonderful.”

Crew members include Nicole Sanders (stage manager), Sadie Wenzel, Brilee Keeler and John Walker. Hunt’s theatre classes did the set construction.

“This play has been such a joy to be a part of,” Karhu said, adding that she loves to sing and act. “The exhilaration of being on stage is such an amazing feeling. Getting to play the part of Milly has been a wonderful experience.”

Tickets are $6 for general admission and $5 for students, and are available in advance at PHS or at the door the night of the performance. Those who want to reserve specific seats should buy tickets early, Hunt said.

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