For the Real Critics Blog
Temecula Valley Players' 09-10 Season is off to a galloping start with a joyous, high-energy production of "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers."
Based on MGM's beloved Oscar-winning musical and "The Sobbin' Women" by Stephen Vincent Benet, this light-hearted stage musical version (directed by J. Scott Lapp) holds up well after fifty years. Themes of love and understanding, strength and compassion abound in the soaring melodies and comedic turns of a large cast populated with burly, headstrong mountain men and sassy, no-nonsense pioneer women.
Leads Paul Kehler ("Adam Ponitpee") and Kellen Allen ("Milly") play off each other's strengths to strike an interesting yin-yang balance. Kehler plays well to the audience with powerhouse singing and operatic enunciation; while Allen gives heart-tugging glimpses of nineteenth-century frontier femininity.
The ensemble of brothers and sisters proves itself strong in song and dance -- especially when the brothers let loose with their amazing, sextuplet harmonies. Kaitlyn Terrill ("Sarah") and Tara Lynn Gillfillan ("Alice") provide big laughs with their skilled comedic portrayals of the family's youngest sisters.
At the heart of the show's energy is the praiseworthy work of the musical director/conductor, teenage wunderkind Taylor Peckham; as well as the enthralling, whirlwind choreography of Gary Iversen and associate Monica Iversen -- particularly during the twenty-one person "Social Dance" number. What a spectacle to behold!
With such a satisfyingly entertaining opener, TVP's upcoming year promises to be its best yet.
For more information on the Temecula Valley Players season visit www.temeculavalleyplayers.com.
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