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Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, Ferndown Phoenix Musical Society, Barrington Theatre, Ferndown

THIS show may not be up there in the big league with the likes of Oklahoma, but many of the songs – Bless Your Beautiful Hide, Wonderful Day, Sobbin’ Women, Going Courting, Spring, Spring, Spring – are standards.

This production, directed and choreographed by Sonia Gilson, is full of life and energy and, best of all, features within its cast a host of young people who are excellent dancers and, in the case of the ‘brothers’, are pretty athletic as well.

Syd Young acquits himself well as the chauvinistic Adam, and Catherine Ruff gives a lovely, spirited performance as Millie, the woman who tames him – and his brothers too.

It would be unfair to single out any other individuals from the ‘brothers’ and ‘brides’, but suffice to say that there isn’t a weak link among them.

Singing is good, the small orchestra plays well, costumes are bright and the many set changes are managed smoothly. In fact, my only complaint is that whilst I could frequently hear the musical director speaking to his musicians, the performers’ mics seemed to have minds of their own and voices occasionally vanished to the accompaniment of crackling.

But I guess communication is difficult in the backwoods of Oregon.

Linda Kirkman

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