Editor's note: An over-extension of bleachers at Kiona-Benton City High School led school officials to cancel the Feb. 24 performance of the musical and move Saturday's performance to the theater at Columbia Basin College at 7 p.m. Ki-Be Superintendent Rom Castelleja said the over-extension damaged a support beam, rendering the bleachers unsafe for use. He said the bleachers could be repaired by the middle of next week and allow next weekend's performances to go on as scheduled.
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is a musical story as engaging as The Sound of Music.
And the Kiona-Benton City High School drama department is bringing the delightful play to the school's stage starting Feb. 24.
Show director Robert Hanson said the musical is the culmination of hard work backed up with plenty of talent.
"When community members said they wanted to see us do this show, Sean McClanhan, the band director, and I were a bit skeptical we could pull it off," Hanson said. "This is the largest cast, the most singing and the most dancing these students have had to do -- ever!"
Each cast member rose to the challenge, he added, turning out a musical that's the biggest and best in the school's history.
"While we have a couple of leads, this is really an ensemble cast show, and each member of the ensemble has proven time and again they can step up and bring what they to the stage," Hanson said. "I'm so proud of what they've accomplished."
The story follows the charming tale of a rugged backwoodsman, Adam, who brings his refined bride, Milly, to the mountain home he shares with his six ruffian younger brothers.
Milly, played by Brook Hirschi, tries to teach the brothers some manners. And just when she thinks she might have succeeded, all hell breaks loose at a barn dance. The brothers end up in a brawl when they start dancing with the girlfriends of the local gentry.
And because this band of brothers is a wild bunch, they sneak into town just before winter sets in and kidnap the girls. During their escape, they set off an avalanche that prevents the townsfolk from pursuing them to their mountain home.
Hirschi, a senior, said portraying Milly has taught her to appreciate the strength of character that women of the 1800s needed.
Senior Ross Carter's role as Adam gave him insight on what growing up is all about, he said. It also opened the door to a talent he didn't know he had.
"The role of Adam taught me how to be manly," said the Ki-Be High senior. "The role taught me how to fight, how to get out of my comfort zone, and that I can sing."
Adrian Castellanos, a senior, plays Adam's brother Benjamin. This is his first time tackling an acting role, and he likes it.
"This is my first show, and I wish I could go back and take more drama and arts classes," Castellanos said. "I want a better taste of what the arts and performing can do."
The other brothers are played by Dalton Cannon, Tucker Cannon, Ty Cannon, Jonny Crawford and Edwin Le. The brides are played by Jocelyn Brown, Blake Hirschi, Laura Leist, Nicole Moran, Tailar Shreve and Kristina Wight.
Curtain time is 7 p.m. Feb. 24-25 and March 2-3 at the high school, 1107 Grace Ave., Benton City. Admission is $7.50 for adults and $5 for ages 12 and younger.
