CULLMAN, Alabama – “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” is a musical with a book by Lawrence Kasha and David Landay. Set at the end of the 19e century in Oregon, the musical is a western/romance comedy about a man named Adam who goes looking for a wife in town, finds Milly working at a local bar, and convinces her to marry him the same day. It is only after returning to his remote cabin in the woods that she discovers that he lives with his six unsophisticated and rude brothers. She tries to teach the brothers good behavior and how to woo a woman. Adam also tries to help his brothers by suggesting that they kidnap their own wives.
Cindy Pass of the Cullman Community Theater says the musical was selected because of the lively choreography, beautiful music and its appeal to audiences of all ages. The cast began rehearsals in early May. Pass said, “The cast of ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ includes many CCT members who have been on several previous shows, but this year we are thrilled to have a great group of new people, including some of our main characters. What’s great about community theater is the opportunity for adults of all ages, teens and children to come together and create a beautiful event under the direction of our own local directors.
The production team includes director Wayne Cook, choreographer and co-music director Sarah Jane Skinner, co-music director Tyler Skinner, assistant director Melva Jackson, stage manager Rodney Basenburg, assistant stage manager Linda Foley, of production operations Noah Carpenter and house manager Casey Sandline.
CCT does not yet have a permanent location to rehearse, and often cast members have the added challenge of changing rehearsal space and adjusting to new locations while trying to learn their parts. Pass said: “This summer we are fortunate to be able to use the gymnasium at East Elementary. Our summer musical is always a big production. We play it at Cullman High School, but we can only rehearse there a week or two before the performances. It was quite a challenge building and blocking sets and using props and sets. Our actors are very understanding of our constraints, and they always show up and put on a great show. We hope to one day have a dedicated performing arts center to house a 300-500 seat theater where we can rehearse, build sets, perform and store used sets and equipment.
There is currently a group of citizens in our community who have conceptualized a building that would house a theater, art gallery, studios and a new library for the Cullman community. We could expand the availability of art appreciation and education as well as increase the number of theater performances and concerts in our area. We hope that can happen here. There is a similar effort in Jefferson County and other communities that see the need for literacy arts.
“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” will be performed at Cullman High School Auditorium on Friday, July 8 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, July 9 at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, July 10 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets will go on sale online and at the door. See the Cullman Community Theater Facebook page for more information.
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