For many families, it’s traditional to enjoy a live theater performance during the holidays. This year, 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle is offering a Northwest classic presentation of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” It’s a well-loved, musical comedy filled with exciting dances and songs.
David Armstrong is the theater’s producing artistic director. It was his job to put together the show’s creative team and select the talent for this stunning production.
“We’re excited about it,” Armstrong said. “It’s a show that we’ve been thinking about for a number of years and it’s set in the Oregon Territory which is in our own back yard.”
For those who might not be familiar with the show, it actually started out as an MGM movie musical and not as a stage play. As a film, it earned a nomination for best picture and is often acclaimed as one of MGM’s top 10 musicals of all time.
“Like all good westerns it’s about the civilizing effects of women and how the West is tamed by the arrival of the women,” Armstrong said.
“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” chronicles the efforts of new bride Milly as she tries to civilize her six rough-and-tumble lumberjack brothers-in-law enough to win brides of their own. The brothers’ impatience leads to some amusing complications, but of course it has a happy ending.
“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” was adapted for stage many years ago. That version enjoyed a national tour, a brief stop on Broadway and a Tony Award. The production that is currently at 5th Avenue Theatre is an even better, updated version that gives more strength to the female characters.
Of the new script, Armstrong said, “They brought back the writers who created the stage version of the show. They really tweaked it and fine-tuned it for the 21st century. It’s still got all of the great songs and all of the amazing dancing.”
It also has something else that is amazing. Without intending to, Armstrong ended up with an all-female creative team. The director, the choreographer, the musical director and the set designer are all women. It’s interesting, given the theme of the show.
“Another thing that we do at the 5th Avenue is to celebrate our incredible talent pool that we have here in Seattle,” Armstrong said. “But, as with all our shows, we augment with cast members that we bring in from New York and Los Angeles.”
In keeping with the Northwest theme of the production, 5th Avenue Theatre has teamed up with Made in Washington stores to come up with a special seasonal promotion. The Seven Brothers Seven Hot Deals offer is a chance to enjoy the show and also save on your holiday shopping.
Simply show your ticket or ticket stub at Made in Washington stores in order to take advantage of special prices on seven different gifts. Gift opportunities include things like Northwest gift baskets, smoked salmon, hand blown glass and Chukar Cherries.
Tickets for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers are on sale now. The show runs until Dec. 28. You can purchase tickets online, in person or by phone. For more information call 206-625-1900 or 888-5TH-4TIX. You can also go online at www.5thAvenue.org.
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