Overview

Synopsis

Set in the Oregon Territory during the 1850s, the 2007 stage version of *Seven Brides for Seven Brothers *begins with rugged backwoodsman Adam Pontipee arriving in town to find a wife. He courts the independent and resourceful Milly, who agrees to marry him after a brief but charming courtship. When she arrives at Adam’s remote cabin, Milly is shocked to discover Adam’s six uncouth brothers living in complete disarray. Taking charge, she quickly assumes the role of mentor, determined to instill manners, hygiene, and respect so the brothers can court the town’s young women properly. Her efforts pay off at the barn-raising, where the brothers impress their love interests with new social graces and exuberant dance.

The story takes a chaotic turn when Adam urges his brothers to follow the ancient Roman tale of the “Sabine Women,” leading them to kidnap their sweethearts and bring them back to the farm. Snowfall traps everyone together through the winter, but in this revised 2007 version Milly asserts herself as the voice of morality and strength, ensuring the women are treated with dignity. Over the long winter months, hostility gradually melts into affection, and genuine bonds form between the brothers and their brides. When spring arrives and the townsfolk come to reclaim their daughters, the women confess their love for the Pontipees, leading to forgiveness, reconciliation, and a joyful finale of weddings and newfound community.

Show Information

Book
Lawrence Kasha , David Landay
Music
Gene de Paul , Joel Hirschhorn , Al Kasha
Lyrics
Joel Hirschhorn , Johnny Mercer
Based on the Play/Book/Film
The 1954 MGM film of the same name
Category
Musical
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1979
Genres
Comedy
Settings
Multiple Settings
Time & Place
Backwoods Oregon, 1850s
Cast Size
large
Orchestra Size
Medium
Dancing
Heavy
Licensor
Music Theatre International
Ideal For
High School, Community Theatre, College/University, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Late Teen, Young Adult, Mature Adult, Early Teen Characters, Large Cast

Context

Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Adam Pontipee

Lead

Male

Baritone

Milly

Lead

Female

Mezzo-Soprano

Alice

Supporting

Female

Mezzo-Soprano

Benjamin Pontipee

Supporting

Male

Tenor

Caleb Pontipee

Supporting

Male

Tenor

Daniel Pontipee

Supporting

Male

Tenor

Dorcas

Supporting

Female

Alto

Ephraim Pontipee

Supporting

Male

Tenor

Gideon Pontipee

Supporting

Male

Tenor

Ruth

Supporting

Female

Alto

Sarah

Supporting

Female

Alto

Frank (Frankincense) Pontipee

Supporting

Male

Tenor

Martha

Supporting

Female

Alto

Liza

Supporting

Female

Alto

Mr. Hoallum

Featured

Male

Baritone

Mr. Sander

Featured

Male

Bass

Mrs. Hoallum

Featured

Female

Alto

Mrs. Sander

Featured

Female

Alto

Preacher

Featured

Male

Tenor

Suitors

Ensemble

Male

Townspeople

Ensemble

Either Gender

Songs

Act One

Act Two

A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.

Monologues

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    counterpoint

    Counterpoint is a musical technique where two or more independent melodies are combined and performed simultaneously. Each line maintains its own rhythm and contour, yet together they create harmonic richness and complexity. This interplay adds texture, depth, and dynamic contrast to a piece of music.

    Ensemble

    A group of performers who function as a unit in a production rather than as individuals with leading roles.

    Leitmotif

    A recurring musical theme associated with a particular character, idea, or emotion. Frequently used in opera and musical theatre, leitmotifs help reinforce narrative continuity and emotional cues for the audience.

    Melodrama

    A dramatic genre with exaggerated characters and emotions, often including music to enhance moral and emotional stakes.

    Quartet

    A quartet is a musical or dramatic piece performed by four singers or actors, each contributing a distinct part. The voices or roles are usually balanced so that harmony and interplay between the four performers create a unified effect. Quartets can highlight contrasting perspectives, showcase layered harmonies, or advance the story through multiple viewpoints at once.

    stage combat

    Stage combat is the carefully choreographed portrayal of physical conflict on stage, designed to look realistic while ensuring performer safety. It can include punches, slaps, falls, swordplay, or other forms of combat, all rehearsed under strict guidelines. The goal is to enhance dramatic storytelling without causing actual harm to the actors.

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Guide Written By:

Avital Shira

Avital Shira