Here's an article from the newspaper in Ft. Smith about the play. We open this Thursday! I'm so exhausted and excited.
Amanda Elkins sings “Goin’ Courtin’” to Brandon Bolin on Monday during a rehearsal for the Fort Smith Little Theatre production of the musical “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”
Goin' Courtin' by Scott Smith
Among the most treasured musicals stands “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” and the Fort Smith Little Theatre’s rendition plans to hit the mark multiple times. Switching Little Theatre hats from music director to play director, George Mann is holding unshakable confidence that the story’s writing and his cast and crew will provide an unforgettable evening for theater followers and newbies alike. Even though his role as director is new, he said he feels optimistic that the show will impress everyone.
Yeah, now I’m a director with a big ‘D,’” Mann said with a laugh. “But it really feels natural. I’ve been music director for 14 seasons of musicals, and although the mantel of director is much larger, the thing that has made it so easy is the great amount of help I’ve received from more experienced hands.”Those helpful, appreciated hands belong to many of Mann’s fellow FSLT members, who will help Mann bring the production to the stage July 30 through Aug. 2 and Aug. 5-8 at the FSLT, 401 N. Sixth St. A special “Dark Night” performance will begin at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 4 to benefit Community Services Clearinghouse.“Many students and people have told me that ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ is their favorite musical,” Mann said. “It’s one of those things that was a movie first, before it went to the stage. Many young people have said they’ve seen it as a movie first.”Written by Lawrence Kasha and David Landay, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” features lyrics by Johnny Mercer and music by Gene de Paul while centering around the overzealous antics of seven sibling farmers, the Pontipees. Working on a farm that is 15 miles from civilization, the Pontipee brothers find themselves in a match-making game after one of the brothers meets a young girl from a large family.Tension grows among the characters when the girl’s sisters already have their eyes on other boys, and a preacher and other town people become involved in the drama that grows by the minute.“The abduction of females is frowned upon in this day and age — you have seven guys abducting seven girls and taking them into the mountains — but the story is set in 1850s Oregon Territory, and it’s told in 1950s language,” Mann said. “A lot of phrases have fallen out of society, but the story is told from a lot more innocent era.“The good thing is, the happy ending,” he added. “There’s considerable conflict throughout the story, but conflict resolved is the hook, and the happy ending resolves everything.”Fort Smith Little Theatre’s “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”When: 8 p.m. July 31 through Aug. 1 and Aug. 5-8, and at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 2. The opening-gala show is at 8 p.m. July 30Where: FSLT, 401 N. Sixth St.Tickets are $25 for the July 30 show and $15 for all other shows and can be purchased by calling 783-2966. Admission also is by season ticket.For information, visit fslt.org.
Yeah, now I’m a director with a big ‘D,’” Mann said with a laugh. “But it really feels natural. I’ve been music director for 14 seasons of musicals, and although the mantel of director is much larger, the thing that has made it so easy is the great amount of help I’ve received from more experienced hands.”Those helpful, appreciated hands belong to many of Mann’s fellow FSLT members, who will help Mann bring the production to the stage July 30 through Aug. 2 and Aug. 5-8 at the FSLT, 401 N. Sixth St. A special “Dark Night” performance will begin at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 4 to benefit Community Services Clearinghouse.“Many students and people have told me that ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ is their favorite musical,” Mann said. “It’s one of those things that was a movie first, before it went to the stage. Many young people have said they’ve seen it as a movie first.”Written by Lawrence Kasha and David Landay, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” features lyrics by Johnny Mercer and music by Gene de Paul while centering around the overzealous antics of seven sibling farmers, the Pontipees. Working on a farm that is 15 miles from civilization, the Pontipee brothers find themselves in a match-making game after one of the brothers meets a young girl from a large family.Tension grows among the characters when the girl’s sisters already have their eyes on other boys, and a preacher and other town people become involved in the drama that grows by the minute.“The abduction of females is frowned upon in this day and age — you have seven guys abducting seven girls and taking them into the mountains — but the story is set in 1850s Oregon Territory, and it’s told in 1950s language,” Mann said. “A lot of phrases have fallen out of society, but the story is told from a lot more innocent era.“The good thing is, the happy ending,” he added. “There’s considerable conflict throughout the story, but conflict resolved is the hook, and the happy ending resolves everything.”Fort Smith Little Theatre’s “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”When: 8 p.m. July 31 through Aug. 1 and Aug. 5-8, and at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 2. The opening-gala show is at 8 p.m. July 30Where: FSLT, 401 N. Sixth St.Tickets are $25 for the July 30 show and $15 for all other shows and can be purchased by calling 783-2966. Admission also is by season ticket.For information, visit fslt.org.
Meredith Thomas dances with Eric Wells during rehearsal.
Joe Pierson, from left, Wesley Fox, David Bates and Brandon Bolin rehearse a dance number from the musical “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”
Amanda Elkins sings “Goin’ Courtin’” to Brandon Bolin on Monday during a rehearsal for the Fort Smith Little Theatre production of the musical “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”
