The Douglas Choral Union certainly is riding the crest of a wave at present and it’s easy to see why!
The last few years have seen the Society stage their wonderful production of Les Miserables, as well as the biggest Disney show ever, the record-breaking classic My Fair Lady, and the smash hit Miss Saigon. This extraordinary run is set to continue with their 2013 production - the exuberant, musical masterpiece, SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS!
This classic show - which runs at the Gaiety Theatre from the 2nd to 9th February - will again be sponsored by Dougherty Quinn Advocates and promises to be a spectacular evening full of singin’ and dancin’ and tremendous yee-ha energy to entertain the whole family. This production will see the return of the DCU’s Miss Saigon Director, Tara Wilkinson. Having starred in many West End productions playing lead roles in such hits as Starlight Express and Saturday Night Fever, Tara is now an accomplished and much sought-after Director and Choreographer.
Set in 1850, shortly after the gold rush, Seven Brides follows the story of Adam Pontipee - a woodsman living in the mountains. High from his farm in the rugged Oregon Territory countryside, Adam makes a trip to town to pick up some goods for the months ahead - including a wife! He’s able to find most of what he needs at the general store, but his afternoon is looking fruitless until he stumbles upon a serving girl with passion and sass to spare. Milly falls for Adam’s sweet talk about the farming life and she’s soon married. However, Adam fails to mention that he lives with his six younger brothers, who seem content to live like barnyard animals!
Since this is the 1850s, Milly doesn’t look for an annulment or a good divorce lawyer. She rolls up her sleeves, seeks solace in her Bible and gets to work. She cleans the house, sets Adam straight and soon becomes a surrogate mother to the six brothers, teaching them manners, proper grooming and dancing. The brothers soon realise Milly’s way is the only way they will ever get themselves a bride and so they try their luck at the local barn raisin’. Alas, all the girls are spoken for and so begins a hilarious series of events full of dancing, fighting and even kidnap!
Can the brothers curb their tempers and impatience to win the girls’ hearts - even with Adam’s barbaric advice? Well, of course we know the answer, but the nuts and bolts of the story isn’t what gives Seven Brides for Seven Brothers its evergreen status. For one thing, the celebrated dance numbers are truly exciting. If you enjoyed Tara Wilkinson’s American Dream scene in DCU’s Miss Saigon, you’ll love the energetic choreography of this show!
However, that’s just one more reason to watch one of the greatest musicals of all time. With classic songs such as Bless Your Beautiful Hide and Goin’ Courtin’, a large cast of talented local artists and a few modern twists courtesy of our director Tara Wilkinson, this breathtaking production is guaranteed to put a spring in your step and a tune on your lips.
Speaking about their 2013 production, DCU Chairman Nick Cain, said:
“We owe our success to the extraordinary talent we have on this Island of ours, but it’s also testament to the fantastic team we have backstage. I can honestly say that rehearsals have been the most fun I’ve had in all my years with the DCU and we are very much looking forward to presenting Seven Brides to the Manx public. Each year we set ourselves very high standards and this production is no different. It’s an energetic, colourful show that’s guaranteed to brighten up those winter months.”
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers will be the fourth DCU production to be sponsored by Dougherty Quinn Advocates. Annemarie Hughes, director of the law firm, said:
“We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to become the principal sponsor of DCU’s 2013 production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. DQ’s commitment to the DCU reflects the importance of the arts in Isle of Man society, its importance to the current and emerging generations, and its role at the heart of communities throughout the Island.”
MEET THE CAST
Shoppers at the Strand Shopping Centre this Saturday (12th) will have the chance to meet some of the cast and find out a little more about the show. The Society will be at the centre along with Manx Radio for a live broadcast as part of their Saturday morning show.
BOOK YOUR TICKETS TODAY
For all ticket enquiries, please call the Villa and Gaiety Theatre Box Office on 600555 or log on to www.villagaiety.com. Alternatively you can call in at the Villa Marina or Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal.
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