CULLMAN, Ala. – “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” is a musical with a book by Lawrence Kasha and David Landay. Set in the late 19th century in Oregon, the musical is a western/romantic comedy about a man named Adam who goes in search of a wife in town, finds Milly working at a local bar and convinces her to marry him the same day. Only after returning to his far away cabin in the woods does she discover that he lives with his six unsophisticated and rude brothers. She tries to teach the brothers proper behavior and how to court a woman. Adam also tries to help his brothers by suggesting they kidnap wives of their own.
Cindy Pass of Cullman Community Theater says that 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 in several previous shows, but this year, we are thrilled to have a large group of new folks including some of our lead characters. The great thing about community theatre is the opportunity for adults of all ages, teens and children to come together and create a beautiful event under the leadership 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, Production Operations Manager Noah Carpenter and House Manager Casey Sandlin.
CCT does not yet have a permanent place to rehearse and often, the cast members have the added challenge of changing rehearsal spaces around and adjusting to new places while trying to learn their parts. Pass said, “This summer, we are blessed to be able to use the gymnasium at East Elementary. Our summer musical is always a big production. We perform it at Cullman High School, but we can only rehearse there one or two weeks before the performances. That has been quite a challenge for set building and blocking and for the use of props and set pieces. Our casts are very understanding of our constraints, and they always come through and give a great show. We hope to one day have a dedicated performing arts center to house a theatre with 300-500 seats where we can rehearse, build sets, perform and store used set pieces and equipment.
There is currently a group of citizens in our community who have conceptualized a building that would house a theatre, art gallery, studios and a new library for the Cullman Community. We could expand the availability of art appreciation and instruction as well as increase the number of theatre performances and concerts in our area. We are hopeful that can happen here. There is a similar effort in Jefferson County and other communities that see the need for the literacy arts.”
“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” with be performed at the Cullman High School auditorium 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 Cullman Community Theatre’s Facebook page for more information.
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