Attending productions at The Empress Theatre has been a favorite activity for our family for the past three years, and we walked away with smiles on our faces, yet again, after seeing the high energy production of "7 Brides for 7 Brothers".
This was my first experience with this story, so I wasn't sure what it was about or if I would even like the story line, and it quickly became on of my top five favorite productions I've seen at The Empress.
The story is set in mid to late 1800s when the "wild west" was just being settled. A handsome stranger named Adam (played by Logan Gifford) comes to town, and all the local town women go gaga for him; he's nothing like the regular men in town that they've known all their lives. Milly (played by Heather Shelley), a local waitress with no family, is beyond thrilled when Adam falls head over heels in love for her at first sight, and after a quick shotgun wedding, he whisks her away to his cabin in the mountains.
Her daydreams of a romantic life with her new husband are soon shattered when she discovers she will not only be living with Adam, but also his six younger, and unruly, brothers who lack the influence of a woman to teach them manners. They, however, are thrilled to have somebody to cook and clean for them.
The town is turned upside down when Milly brings her new family to the town social, and introduces all the brothers to the young ladies in town. What should be a great chance for the brothers to find nice young ladies to "go a courtin'" turns into hilarious escapades of first love, kidnappings and learning to make the best of the situation you are thrown into.
"What better place than Magna to bring a show full of small town charm?," said director Skye Davis. "Sure, on the surface you'll see a show about kidnapping brides. But in the tender moments lies a quiet message of respect - respect for family, for traditions, and for roots. In today's world, everybody could use a little bit more of that in their lives."
This show was beautifully cast, and one of my favorite things about live theater is that, if cast properly, you become and feel what the characters are feeling. My favorite part was during the rendition of "Love Never Goes Away" by Adam, Gideon (played by Jordan Briggs) and Milly. Young Gideon is experiencing love for the first time after meeting sweet Alice (played by Melina Wrathall). Older brother Adam tries to give him advice that all girls are the same, but lovesick Gideon insists that Alice isn't just any other girl. Milly is also wrestling with her feelings towards her new husband, and is hurt that he doesn't seem to reciprocate those feelings.
My husband commented multiple times on what a beautiful voice Milly (Heather Shelley) has, and how emotionally connected she was to her role and her character.
I left this sold-out production with my cheeks hurting from laughing so hard, and my hurt full of the sweet, tender moments that were also experienced.
"Whether you've come to enjoy a longtime favorite classic musical or whether you're watching this standard for the first time, I hope you enjoy the magic I've always found in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers." - Skye Davis, Director
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is showing at The Empress Theatre in Magna on Fridays and Saturdays now until January 30th, with a family night production on Monday January 26th.
You can purchase your tickets online or in person at the box office in Magna. All tickets are only $10, which makes this a great family outing or date night! One thing you will want to do is get your tickets quick, because performances are selling quickly for this production.
Enjoy Utah was provided with complimentary tickets to attend and review this production. We were not compensated financially for our review, nor were we required or persuaded to write any specific type of review. The views and opinions are all our own.
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