Long after the highly successful movie of 1954, SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS was developed for the stage and enjoyed a critically and commercially successful national tour in 1979. In 1982, the Broadway production, starring Debby Boone, David-James Carroll had a short run of only 5 performances. Its sole Tony Award nomination was for Best Original Score. In 1985 the West End production proved to be more successful and a London cast recording was released. In 2005, a major revival was staged at the prestigious Goodspeed Opera House and the production earned rave reviews from Variety and the New York Times. There was also a  television series based very loosely on the film ran on CBS from September 19, 1982 to July 2, 1983.

 

SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS is directed and choreographed by Larry Nye.  Dusty Reeds is the Scenic Designer, and Kate Irvine Mills is the Costume Designer.  Garrylee McCormick is the Hair/Wig Designer. Properties are designed by James B. Knox and Lights are designed by Adam Levine. Tim Crews is the Sound Designer. Technical Direction is by Fred Gillette.

 

Performances for SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS will run through August 19^th and are Tuesday through Friday at 8:30 PM, Saturday at 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, and Sunday at 5:00 PM. Enjoy refreshments in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge with friends before the show, during intermission and after the show. Enjoy a light snack while being entertained by the free cabaret-style show in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge after the main stage performance. 

 

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SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS

 

Cast List

 

Adam Pontipee.............................................................................. ERIC PARKER

Milly.............................................................................................. EMILY MAY SMITH

 

The Pontipee Brothers:

 

Benjamin....................................................................................... ERIC PETERSEN

Caleb............................................................................................. JAKE STACKHOUSE

Daniel............................................................................................ JAMEY GRISHAM

Ephraim......................................................................................... JEFF BAKER

Frank............................................................................................. NICK HORTON

Gideon........................................................................................... KEVIN WHITE

 

The Brides:

 

Dorcas.......................................................................................... LISA MARIE MORABITO

Alice............................................................................................. MEGAN MACPHEE

Ruth.............................................................................................. JULIA PAIGE GORDON

Liza............................................................................................... COURTNEY REED

Martha.......................................................................................... EMMI HILGER

Sarah............................................................................................. KATHERINE WEATHERFORD

 

The Suitors:

 

Jeb................................................................................................ JASON CABRAL

Carl............................................................................................... RYAN STUTZ

Luke.............................................................................................. ERIC BYRD

Matt.............................................................................................. ERIC MORRIS

Joel............................................................................................... VAUGHN SCHMIDT

Zeke.............................................................................................. ALSTON BROWN

 

The Townspeople:

 

Preacher........................................................................................ SCOTT BURKELL

Mr. Bixby...................................................................................... ROY BROWN

Mrs. Bixby..................................................................................... ELIZABETH ANN CORKUM

Mr. Perkins.................................................................................... JOE AIELLO

Mrs. Perkins.................................................................................. NICOLE NIEFELD

Lumbermen.............. GREGG REHRIG, ISAAC JAMES, VAUGHN SCHMIDT, BO FRAZIER

Young Man.................................................................................... JUSTIN LECLAIRE

Young lady.................................................................................... ELIZABETH ANN CORKUM

Mother.......................................................................................... KELSEY NELSON

Daughter....................................................................................... EMILY SOTELO MATLACK

Customer....................................................................................... STEPHANIE CAPLIN

Dorcas’ Sister................................................................................ DANA JOY GLAUS

 

 

SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS

 

Cast Bios

 

 

ERIC PARKER – Adam Pontipee

Eric is celebrating 15 Augusta summers this season.  His growing list of Barn credits includes several favorites: Rutledge in 1776 and again as Remnar in our third go-‘round of ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT last summer, Jerry in THE FULL MONTY, Rocky and Eddie in several occurrences of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW,  Freddie in CHESS, Cable in SOUTH PACIFIC, Pharaoh in JOSEPH…, Jimmy Powers in CITY OF ANGELS, Judas in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, the title role in PIPPIN, Cousin Kevin on TOMMY, and Che in EVITA, a role that introduced Eric to Chicago audiences in an award-winning production at Drury Lane Oakbrook.  His career has continued there, with roles in both their TYA and dinner theatre productions, most recently Jacey Squires in THE MUSIC MAN, Samuel in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, and Fezziwig in A CHRISTMAS CAROL.  Regional: Sebastian in THE THING ABOUT MEN, Henrik in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, Miles in A FUNNY THING…FORUM, Rocky in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Jesus in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and Claude in HAIR (European Tour).  An Adrian native, Eric was honored to reprise his Barn turn in THE FULL MONTY in a hit production at the Croswell Opera House last fall.  He studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood and Siena Heights University in his hometown.  He currently resides in Chicago with his cat and his cd collection. On our offstage staff Eric helps oversee the maintenance of the Barn’s physical plant and directs our popular Bar Shows.

 

EMILY MAY SMITH – Milly

Emily is happy to return to the Barn for her fourth season and her first as an Equity resident.  Barn audiences will remember her portrayals as Luisa in THE FANTASTICKS, Jemima in CATS, Jessie in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN and as a Boylan sister in ANNIE. Other favorite roles include Winnifred in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS and Puck in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.  An Ohio native, Emily now resides in New York City.  Her recent work includes parts in independent films AL QAREM and SCALPED: THE MOVIE.  She also performed in the children’s theatre national tours of LEWIS AND CLARK and A CHRISTMAS CAROL for Theatre IV in Cincinnati.  Emily holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Capital University.  This season Emily is excited to add to her responsibilities in the Barn Publicity department and looks forward to another great summer!

 

ERIC PETERSEN – Benjamin

Eric comes back to Augusta for his first full season as an Equity resident straight from the First National Tour of THE 25^TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, in which he starred as William Barfee.  The highlight of the fall will be his most exciting role ever, that of groom when he marries fellow Barnie Lisa Marie Morabito.  Favorite Barn roles include Berger in HAIR, Matt in THE FANTASTICKS, Rick/Lorraine in BAT BOY, and the Chinese Waiter in TWO INTO ONE.  Other credits include Bill Sykes in OLIVER! (Charleston Stage, SC), Paul Revere in SPREAD THE WORD (TheatreworksUSA), and Bottom in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM AT Bradley University in Peoria, IL, of which Eric is a proud graduate.  He sends love and thanks to Lisa, his parents, Kyle, Chuck and the Ragotzys.  Visit www.EricPetersenOnline.com.

 

JEFF BAKER – Ephraim

If you only knew how excited Jeff is to be back this summer!  Past Barn credits include OKLAHOMA!, 1776, GYPSY, and THE WIZARD OF OZ.  A senior at Grand Valley State University, Jeff has appeared in GUYS AND DOLLS (Benny Southstreet), STREET SCENE (Harry Easter), STARTING HERE, STARTING NOW (Man), THE SECRET GARDEN (Dikon understudy), and PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Pirate King) as well as MY FAIR LADY AT Circle Theatre and ASSASSINS at Actors Theatre.  “Love and thanks to Mom, Alexis, Dale and my beautiful friends.”

 

JAMEY GRISHAM – Daniel

Jamey hails from Tupelo, MS, and is a recent graduate of Roosevelt University in Chicago with a BFA in Musical Theatre from their Chicago College of Performing Arts Theatre conservatory.  Jamey is excited for a third Barn summer!  Audiences may remember his turns as Brad in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Ethan in THE FULL MONTY, Thomas Jefferson in 1776 and Dream Curly in OKLAHOMA!  His Roosevelt credits include Bill in KISS ME KATE, Valentine in the musical TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA and John Jasper in THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD.  Jamey also recently originated the role of Little Light in the original workshop production of THE LITTLEST LIGHT ON THE CHRISTMAS TREE in New York, which was directed by Broadway veteran Luis Perez and produced by APAP (Association of Performing Arts Presenters).  He shared the stage with cabaret star Andrea Marcovicci and composer John Bucchino in the ASCAP presentation SONGS OF OUR TIME in Chicago and has been a featured soloist at Jim Caruso’s CAST PARTY in New York.  Jamey sends his love and special thanks to his family for their unconditional support.  “Psalms 108:1”

 

NICK HORTON - Frank

Nick is happy to be back at the Barn for his third season. Barn audiences may remember him from last season’s portrayal of Roger Sherman in 1776, Cigar in GYPSY or as the dead body in OUT OF ORDER, as well as Perchik in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and in ensemble roles in THE WIZARD OF OZ, THE FULL MONTY, HAIR, and LIL ABNER. Nick was most recently seen in TEN LITTLE INDIANS as Anthony Marston and as Young Scrooge in A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. Nick is a graduate of Kent State University where he received a BFA in Musical Theatre.

 

JAKE STACKHOUSE – Caleb

Jake is thrilled to be back for a third summer.  Augusta audiences may remember Jake from such performances as Earthquake McGoon in LI’L ABNER, Andrew Carnes in OKLAHOMA!, Col. McKean in 1776, and Kringelein in GYPSY.  When not at the Barn Jake lives in New York City with former Barnie Bethany Wood.  Jake is a graduate of Indiana-Purdue University at Fort Wayne.

 

KEVIN WHITE - Gideon

Kevin couldn’t be happier to be making his Barn debut this summer.  Kevin will be a Junior BFA Musical Theatre major at Millikin University this fall.  On the Millikin mainstage Kevin has enjoyed roles in THE BAKER’S WIFE, SUGAR, LUCKY STIFF as Harry Witherspoon, and A CHORUS LINE in which he portrayed Mike.  Other professional credits include Will Parker in OKLAHOMA!, Simon Zealotes in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and Wickersham Brother #1 in SEUSSICAL, THE MUSICAL all at the Starlight Theatre in Rockford, IL.  Kevin thanks his grandparents for their hospitality this summer, his parents for always supporting him and the Barn for this great opportunity.

 

LISA MARIE MORABITO – Dorcas

Lisa Marie is excited to return to the Barn this summer for her first season as an Equity resident.  As an apprentice, her credits include Columbia in our ’02 and ’03 productions of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and Catherine in THE FOREIGNER as well as Jenny Anydots in CATS. As well as being a member of the Equity company, Lisa also assists Producer Brendan Ragotzy and in Bar Show Choreography. New York credits include SHINBONE ALLEY with Musicals Tonight!, CONSUMER BEHAVIOR with Emerging Artists, INTERREGNUM at The Studio Theatre at Theatre Row, Huck Finn with TheatreworksUSA and NOTHING LIKE A DAME Broadway Cares Benefit at The Imperial Theatre. Her Regional credits include Conchita in COPACABANA (National Tour), Rosalia in WEST SIDE STORY (Human Race Theatre), and Lucy in YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN (Hot Summer Nights). She’s also excited about her engagement to fellow actor and Barnie Eric Petersen, whom she met the summer of 2003.  Their wedding is set for October 20.  She thanks God, Eric, her whole family, and the Ragotzys.  You can find Lisa online at www.lisamariemorabito.com.

 

JULIA PAIGE GORDON – Ruth

Julia is very excited to be joining the Barn this summer!  A native of Louisville, KY, she is currently a musical theatre major at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.  Favorite roles include Charlotte Wolf in UP THE DOWN STAIRCASE and Nickie in SWEET CHARITY.  Julia sends all of her love and thanks to her family – her support and best friends.

 

EMMI HILGER – Martha

Emmi is so happy to be making her debut as a Barnie!  She will be entering her senior year at Northwestern University, where she is studying Theatre and Mathematics.  Favorite credits include THE GAME OF LOVE AND CHANCE and “The Scottish Play” which she performed at Northwestern, THE BACCHAI at Indiana University, Emily in OUR TOWN, and Catherine in THE FOREIGNER at the Shawnee Summer Theatre. Emmi is from Grand Rapids, MI, where selected credits include RAGTIME, FOLLIES, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, and THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK. Emmi send her love to her family for always being there.

 

MEGAN MACPHEE – Alice

Megan MacPhee is excited to be in the Midwest making her Barn debut.  Hailing from Maplewood, NJ, she has just completed a semester abroad studying at the London Dramatic Academy.  Megan will be entering her senior year as a musical theatre major at Catholic University of American in Washington, DC.  Last spring she traveled to the Czech Republic with CUA’s University Chorus to sing Verdi’s Requiem in the Prague Spring Festival.  Professional credits include the female swing for Signature Theatre’s MY FAIR LADY directed by Eric Schaeffer starring Broadway’s Sally Murphy and THE SEX HABITS OF AMERICAN WOMEN in which she portrayed Katie, NEVERMORE as Virginia, ASSASSINS as Squeaky/Ensemble u/s.  She also performed at Papermill Playhouse in JOSEPH….., and the New Voices Concert 2004.  Megan thanks her family, Penelope, and everyone at the Barn for this opportunity!

 

COURTNEY REED – Liza

Courtney is overjoyed to be returning to Augusta for her second season at the Barn.  She is originally from Centreville, Virginia and just recently graduated from Wright State University in Dayton. At WSU Courtney was seen as Texas in CABARET, Hymen in AS YOU LIKE IT, Sleeping Beauty in INTO THE WOODS, as an ensemble member in AIDA, GREASE, RAGTIME, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, NINE and URINETOWN in which she was also the associate choreographer.  Barn audiences will undoubtedly remember Courtney as Martha Jefferson in 1776 as well as in the ensemble of GYPSY and THE WIZARD OF OZ.  She would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support.

 

KATHERINE WEATHERFORD – Sarah

Katherine is elated to be spending her first summer at the Barn. A native of Houston Texas, Katherine is a recent graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and is currently attending the New School University in New York.  She recently toured with Periwinkle National Theatre as Karen HALFWAY THERE. And was an ensemble member in HAPPY HOUSE at Big Little Theatre in New York City.

 

CALENDAR NEWS:                          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  July 27, 2007

 

 

NOW PLAYING:  Through August 5 the Pinocchio story comes to life on the stage in Geppetto and Son!  A brand new magical musical from Disney to enchant the whole family!  As in the original story, the wooden puppet dreams of becoming a real boy while learning lessons about telling the truth. With songs from the animated classic such as the beautiful “When You Wish Upon A Star” and “I’ve Got No Strings”, as well as “Bravo Stromboli” and “Pleasure Island” featuring the Ringleader, Roustabouts and Delinquents, this new Disney musical is sure to be an instant stage classic!

 

NEXT:  The Wild West explodes on stage in this rowdy, rip-roaring, lighthearted adaptation of the MGM movie musical SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS playing August 7 – 19.  This musical will delight all ages with its exciting songs and show-stopping dance numbers! When young Millie marries backwoodsman Adam, she thinks her life just got easier...until she meets his six brothers! Based extremely loosely on the Stephen Vincent Benet story Sobbin' Women," SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS is one of the best MGM musicals of the 1950s.

 

The Barn Theatre          Located on M-96 1 mile west of the village of Augusta.

Box Office Phone          269 731-4121 Open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Performance times        Tuesday through Friday at 8:30pm  Saturday (2 shows) 6:00pm & 9:00 pm

                                       Sunday 5:00pm (8:30 Added performance, if applicable)

Ticket Prices                 $29.00 Each.  Any day, any performance.

 

Visa and MasterCard Accepted

Group rates available (10 tickets or more)

Professional Equity resident summer theatre.  Our 62^nd season

Listed on the Michigan Register of Historic Sites – Free and easy parking

Air-conditioned Theatre and Restrooms handicapped accessible.

 

Enjoy refreshments and a light snack in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge with friends before, during intermission and after the show. WINGS AND NACHOS in the Rehearsal Shed!  Free cabaret-style entertainment follows main stage performances.

 

Brendan Ragotzy, Producer.