Seven Brides for Seven Brothers: A Theatrical Review
Well, they have done it again. The Glendale Centre Theatre, a theatre that never disappoints, has another smash hit on their hands with their current production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. This theatre in the round facility has a full understanding of how to utilize their space in such a manner as to entertain every audience goer while not letting anyone feel like they are missing any portion of the production.
Perhaps the most wonderful part of this particular production in the wonderful relationship that comes across so well between the production two leads, Adam and Millie, played by Jason Webb and Jennifer Webb respectively. And yes, they are married. This husband and wife team, for fifteen years now, has an apparent deep love and respect for one another personally, and it flows right into the production as husband and wife on stage.
The production is about a mountain man who comes to town to find himself a wife “care-giver” for him and his six brothers. What he finds is so much more than that. Millie brings a since of class, understanding, authenticity, and truth to both Adam and all six brothers. In the middle of this process she helps six of her town living friends find the true loves of their lives in the six new brothers-in-law she had no idea she would be inheriting. It takes the proud and somewhat set in his ways Adam a bit of time to realize that a marriage is a partnership and not a dictatorship, but with time and the presence of a new child, even he gets there.
A truly wonderful production, a classic that deserves to be done again and again, this particular production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers offers every possible positive, and absolutely no negatives. The theatre itself is centrally located in the heart of downtown Glendale, has more than ample near-by parking, and is uncomfortable or incapable of handling stairs. (Just advise the box office of these concerns when you book your tickets, they will be only too happy to accommodate your needs.)
Though the spotlight in this production obviously goes first to Jason and Jennifer Webb, the show’s leads, additional accolades must be paid to other actors as well. Andrew Allen portraying Brother Ephraim, Andrew Blake Ames portraying Brother Frank, John Paul Batista portraying Brother Zeke, Holly Childers portraying Dorcas, Emily Coddington portraying Alice, Fernando Duran portraying Daniel, Robert Hartson portraying Carl, Brandon Heitkamp portraying Brother Caleb, Libby Snyder portraying Sarah, Steven Weber portraying Matt, and Grant Jordan portraying Brother Gideon all deserve exceptional status for their work in this production. Perhaps the real spotlight in this show, however, belongs to Lee Martino who has done an absolutely amazing job as choreographer, with special accolades going out for the work done with the “Social Dance” number.
All in all, this is a wonderful production that absolutely does not disappoint, and most assuredly worth the time and moderate cost. The show runs through November 19th at the Glendale Center Theatre, located at 324 N. Orange Street in Glendale, CA 91203. Reservations and ticket purchases may be made by calling 818-244-8481 or faxing 818-244-5042. The Box Office hours are Monday – Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. For further information, visit the theatre’s website at www.glendalecentretheatre.com.
Enjoy!
Randall Gray
The California Theatre Critic
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