Seven Brides for Seven Brothers finishes run in Grace
Grace High School students’ production of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” ended its three day run at the Gem Valley Performing Arts Center with the final show on Monday. From the time of the initial rehearsals to the time of the full cast production, the sets, costumes, choreography, and sound had all been worked into a topnotch night of entertainment.
Director Eli Hubbard is known for his high energy, well-produced dramatic performances, and this one lived up to that reputation. As Hubbard said in his director’s note: “Patrons of Grace Idaho. Thanks! This is mine and Velvet’s 12th production in Grace. I can’t believe you have allowed us to do this for so long. You have been with us through thick and thin. From the glory and splendor of School of Rock, to the less popular and challenging Fairly Potter. You have humored me for so long. But we also recognize why you have come year after year to see out shows. You have come to support the kids! Isn’t that why we do all of this? The reason anybody in any extracurricular activity spends all of the extra hours planning and preparing at the expense of family time, personal time, and all other time for that matter is because they have a chance to help a kid learn to do something new, After all, isn’t this the point of life. To do and experience? In the immortal words of Jimmy Stewart in the movie Shenandoah, ‘If we don’t try, then we don’t do, and if we don’t do then why are we here?’ None of that would be possible without you coming to support us. So again I say thank you. We though this year we would reward you for your patience by fiving you one of the classics. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is one of my favorite shows. The music is great, the storyline simple to understand, and the kids have worked so hard in only 7 weeks to pull this off. If I can ask you to simply be a reactive audience, the kids will feed off of you and you will see a much better show. Please enjoy and Thanks!”
The audience was very reactive, and the stage antics were on point. With a thrust stage that jutted out into the audience, everyone was up close and personal for the full dance numbers, as well as the number of fights, bruhahas, donnybrooks, and dustups that happened. The choreography was excellent throughout, letting the audience maintain a clear sense of what was happening and who was involved, but keeping the scenes dynamic and artful at the same time.
Both the brides and the brothers did a great job differentiating themselves from one another despite the very large cast, and there were many moments of standout “stage business” from each. It was a play that was a joy to watch more than once, as there was simply so much happening on stage at any given time.
It must be stated that Kate Williams and Carson Reeves were perfectly cast in the leads. Reeves’ bass was exactly right for the part, and his charm and effortlessness as the de facto patriarch were fully convincing. If Reeves was effortless, Williams was effervescent. With great comic timing and most importantly a clear sense of confidence in her performance, she was fantastic in every scene she acted. Together, the pair executed at a remarkably high level. Kudos!
The classic American musical has been beloved on the American scene ever since 1954, when it appeared first as a film. The story loosely follows the ancient Greek story of the Sabine Women, with a setting updated to the Oregon frontier of the 1850s. The story is part conventional romantic comedy, part reverse “May Fair Lady,” part prank war, and all large-scale choreography. One of the guiding principles of original choreographer Michael Kidd’s vision was to create plausible dance numbers out of the ordinary tasks and sounds of pioneer life.
In addition to Williams and Reeves, the Brothers (who were also endlessly fun to watch, and played off each other like actual brothers) were played by Case Williams (Bejamin), Taygen Peck (Caleb), Jack Eddins (Daniel), Wilson Robbins (Ephraim), Landry Crane (Frank), Axel Hubbard (Gideon). The Brides (who matched the brothers in skill and personality on display) were played by Skyla Cloud (Dorcus), Aleaha Medina (Ruth), Tyelor Turner (Liza), Josie Fox (Martha), Bailey Mickelson (Sarah), Trinity Corder (Alice). The Suitors are played by Landon Moss (Nathan), Bently Peck (Luke), Parker Yost (Matt), Jax Corbett (Joel), Hank Thomas (Zeke), Trey Thomas (Jeb). Other actors included Carter Robinson (Preacher), Kylie Humphreys (Preacher’s Wife), Darhaa, Colin Draper (Mr. Hoallum), Faith Smit (Mrs. Hoallum), Lexi Coburn (Mrs. Sander), Luke Moss (Mr. Sander), River Jorgenson, Charly Ambrosek, Aspen Thomas, Vesica Eiman, Kirynn Crosbie, Blayr Peterson, Holland Ball.
The production team included Velvet Hubbard alongside Eli, Grady Hubbard on sound, Dela Hubbard on lights, and a tech crew composed of Zak Smith, Norma Tedrow, Josie Johnson, and Mitchel McCurdy. Andy Berg and the art classes painted the backdrops. Stephen Brady built the sets.
