Valley View Middle School Thespians Present Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Will
Capture Hearts in Edina

April 11–13, more than 100 Valley View Middle School students will transport audiences to Oregon circa 1850 for this rollicking musical romp. Many adults may have fond memories of the 1950s film based on this story by Lawrence Kasha and David Landay, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer.

Director Elizabeth Chaigne and Music Director Catherine Zajac are in their eighth year as a team overseeing musicals at Valley View. This year they are joined by Emilia Allen, an Edina High School theater alumna (2007) and graduate of Bard College, who has returned to the Twin Cities’ vibrant theater scene as a freelance director and stage manager and has enjoyed co-directing at her alma mater. The number of students participating in theater at Valley View, which has a no-cut policy, has been increasing every year. The addition of Allen has been valuable to the
production team.

The large cast and many ensemble scenes of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” are among the reasons this script was chosen. A major goal shared by Chaigne, Allen, and Zajac is for students to gain a deeper knowledge of stagecraft and the importance of teamwork, skills especially on display in this musical’s big ensemble scenes. The dance numbers were choreographed by Betsy Mills, a new addition to the Valley View musical theater team. She has been assisted by Aaron Preusse of the St. Paul Conservatory and Guthrie Theater, who educated cast members in the techniques of safe and exciting stage fighting for the clash between the brothers and rival suitors.

Chaigne is also quick to give credit to the many parent volunteers who make it all possible by contributing countless hours to help with costumes, makeup, set construction (including a pivoting house!), gathering and creating props, and more. Student crew members are also involved in all these areas, as well as sound, lighting, and transitions during the performances.

The musical plot begins when Adam, a rugged mountain man, comes into town looking for a wife. In one day, he charms and marries Milly and brings his new bride home to a rustic log cabin that he shares with his six younger brothers. Milly quickly determines that she must civilize and marry off these rowdy young men. The show is filled with clever song lyrics, high-spirited dancing, and slapstick humor. Of course, love (and some degree of civilizing) prevails!

To give as many students as possible the opportunity to perform in major roles, the brides have understudies and the lead roles of Adam (the eldest of the brothers) and his spunky bride, Milly, are double-cast. Adam and Milly will be played by Ben Weiman and Kelly Good for the Thursday and Saturday evening performances and by Dylan Rickard and Emily Neville for the Friday evening and Saturday matinee performances. The matinee will also feature the understudy brides.

All performances will be in the Edina Performing Arts Center at Edina High School, 6574 Valley View Road. Tickets will be available for purchase with a credit card at: www.seatyourself.biz/valleyview.  Tickets will also be sold at the box office (cash or check payment only) one hour before each show and in the Valley View Middle School  lobby from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on April 11 and 12. Reserved seat tickets are $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for students and seniors. General admission tickets are $8.00 for adults, and $6.00 for students and seniors. Shows often sell out, so please consider buying your tickets online early to ensure the best availability.

Written by Linda Urban, VVMS Thespian parent volunteer