Seven Brides for Seven Brothers – a musical must see!

This week QCGU’s Musical Theatre Department opened their show “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” A musical that first graced the stage in 1982, after being adapted from the colourful and timeless film of 1954, it has charmed and cheered audiences all over the world. Set in 1850s Oregon, the show is tied together with sweet romance, delightful mayhem and show-stopping classic theatre tunes.

Cast members have shared a behind-the-scenes look into staging this production and their experiences.

Miriam Woodhead plays Liza, one of the brides, and describes the story as “fun, energetic and unassumingly meaningful.” When asked what elements of production have been the most challenging and rewarding, Miriam answered: “The most challenging aspect has been the big dance numbers, and switching between different tracks, playing both a girl and a boy – on ensemble nights. However the dancing has also been the most rewarding, as when it all finally comes together, we are able to produce a wonderful show!” So why should other students come to see the show? Well, according to Miriam, “It’s such a fun show for everyone to be involved with. You get taken on a journey of colour, love, betrayal, redemption and ultimately a whole heap of dancing.”

Michael Adams, who plays the brother Ephraim, has not only a role on stage, but one in with the pit too. Accompanying the production is a band made up entirely of multi-talented second-year musical theatre students. For Michael, working on this show has been an invaluable opportunity, to focus on and improve his skills as a dancer and to refine his performance versatility. “I play alternating roles. This is a challenge as having two tracks can often be tricky, however as we’ve been told, many graduates go into ‘swing’ roles in the industry and therefore exercising this skill of changing roles will prove very beneficial and rewarding.” When asked about why other students should come along to see the show, Michael responded: “There has been an immense amount of time and energy put into the show from staff and students and it would be amazing to have support of our peers. It would also provide a fun and entertaining night out for all.”

Daniel Barnett plays Frank, the hot-head, second-youngest brother, and for Daniel it’s all about the music. “It is such a rich score – full of beautiful melodies – and I think we make them sound pretty good!” The acclaimed choreographer Ben Mayne, who is working on the production, has definitely challenged the cast. It certainly pays off because it looks phenomenal. “As a bunch of young students, we bring such a youthful energy to each scene, song, and dance number. We want the audience to have as much fun as we’re having.” Daniel guarantees this show of energy and laughs will be “two hours of the most fun on stage you’ll see in Brisbane.”

So come along and support some of your most talented and hardworking peers. Be ready to swoon with a show that will put a smile on your face.

Open until May 13, at Burke St Studios Theatre. Tickets available at http://queenslandconservatorium.com.au/, student tickets priced at $11.50

Written by Bridget O’Brien