An evening of comedy and romance

Theater of the Stars will launch their 2007 season next week when “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” takes stage at the Fox Theater in Atlanta June 26 through July 1.

The musical, based on “The Sobbin’ Women” by Stephen Vincent Benet and the 1954 film directed by Stanley Donen, is a brand new production which showcases the movie’s score as well as several new songs. The production features daredevil dancing, modeled after Michael Kidd’s famed film choreography.

Set in 1850s Oregon territory, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” tells the story of Adam Pontipee and his seven brothers in their pursuit for brides. Adam, the eldest of the brothers, goes to town to get a wife and convinces a young woman named Milly to marry him that same day. They return to his backwoods home only for Milly to discover that all six of Adam’s brothers also in residence at the log cabin. The new bride sets out to reform the uncouth siblings, who are anxious to get wives of their own, when Adam develops an inspired solution to his brothers’ loneliness…kidnap the women they want!

Following the success of the MGM film version, starring Jane Powell and Howard Keel, the stage version of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” opened on Broadway in 1982 at the Alvin Theatre.

The musical comedy has music by Gene de Paul, lyrics by Johnny Mercer (who penned the film’s songs), and a book by Lawrence Kasha and David S. Landay. The two-time Tony nominated writing team of Lawrence Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn have created new songs with music by Saul Chaplin and de Paul, and lyrics by Mercer. In addition to several new songs including “I Married Seven Brothers” and “Where Were You,” there are all the favorites such as “Bless Your Beautiful Hide,” “Going Courtin’” and “Wonderful, Wonderful Day.”

Scott Schwartz, whose Off-Broadway credits include “Tick, Tick…Boom” and “The Foreigner,” starring Matthew Broderick, directs this production of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” Previously, Schwartz directed Valerie Harper in the national tour of “Golda’s Balcony,” which became the longest-running one-woman show in Broadway history. The show ran on Broadway simultaneously with “Wicked,” for which his father, Stephen Schwartz, gained wide acclaim as composer and lyricist.

Patti Colombo, who received a Tony nomination for her work on Broadway’s production of “Peter Pan,” serves as choreographer for this production. Her many accolades include an Emmy and American Choreographers Award nomination for her choreography on the A&E production of “Peter Pan.”

Edward Watts stars as Adam Pontipee and Michelle Dawson is Milly Tilden. Previously, Watts appeared in “Annie Get Your Gun” at the Music Theatre of Wichita and in “The Most Happy Fella” with Paul Sorvino at the New York City Opera. Most recently, Dawson starred in the Theatre Under The Stars production of “Swing!” and Broadway’s “Ragtime.” The principal cast also includes Adam’s six brothers Luke Longacre (Caleb), Karl Warden (Daniel), Randy Bobish (Benjamin), Eric Sciotto (Frank) and Christian Delcroix (Gideon), as well as the young ladies they court Kate Marilley (Ruth), Christina Hedrick (Dorcas), Stephanie Fittro (Sarah), Denise Payne (Liza), Margot DeLa Barre (Martha) and Sarah Marie Jenkins (Alice).

The ensemble includes Jason Babinsky, Becky Barta, Ryan Christopher Chotto, Cameron Henderson, Nathan Hershberger, Andy Paterson, Luke Rawlings, Shane Rhoades, Dan Sharkey, Tina Stafford, Tiffany Sudol and Nick Sullivan.

This all-new production of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” is co-produced by Theatre Under The Stars in Houston, The Paper Mill Playhouse and North Shore Music Theatre. The creative team includes Ed Goldschneider (Music Director), John McLain (Lighting Designer), Peter Fitzgerald (Sound Designer), Jess Goldstein (Costume Designer) and Anna Luoizos (Set Designer).

Theater of the Stars will present “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” at the Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree Street, from June 26-July 1. Performances are scheduled for Tuesday-Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are currently on sale through Ticketmaster. Purchases through Ticketmaster can be made in three ways: at Ticketmaster ticket centers, by calling 404-817-8700, or by ordering online at www.ticketmaster.com. For group ticket sales, call the Fox Theatre Group Sales Office at 404-881-2000. Ticket prices range from $20-64.

Theater of the Stars is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year as one of the nation’s premier theater companies. A civic non-profit cultural organization, Theater of the Stars is dedicated to presenting and producing the best in musical theater. To learn more about their history of excellence, visit them at www.theaterofthestars.com.

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