This Month's Show - Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Another “Dancers'” show, this one requires at least 14 men who can at least move, if not cope with learning dances. My group was extremely lucky to find not only seven "brothers" who could dance, but also seven suitors who were also prepared to have a go at learning quite difficult and complicated dances. And for me, as one of the brides, an opportunity to play a part rather than be one of the dancing chorus. There was some resistance from the company as to whether we could do the show; did we have enough people who could both sing and dance? In many amateur shows the singers and dancers are separate teams, with only a few who could cross between the two disciplines, “Sevens” requires people who can do both, although it is possible for Adam Pontipee to avoid the main dance numbers, Millie has to be able to dance and sing, and to lead the brothers and the brides in the most famous numbers; “ Goin' Courtin'” and the Social Dances. (in the film this is the barn raising sequence, on stage it becomes a challenge circle dance).

Our committee had been applying to the film makers for permission to perform this on stage since it first appeared in cinemas, and for many years the rights holders resisted any attempt to bring out a stage version of any kind. However eventually in 1979 there was a version written for the stage, it was finally opened for amateur performance and in 1990 we took to the stage with our exuberant version, transferring in 1991 to a local “proper” theatre for a one week run. How excited we were to get the chance to reprise a show where we had such great fun.

It is fast-moving and full of life, needing quick changes in the wings to be able to go from one scene to the next. The brothers changing from their winter clothes to nothing but blankets, when Millie steals their underwear for washing, is a very quick change requiring almost to be choreographed in the wings so that each is ready in time for his cue. We worked it so that each “bride” was the dresser for her “brother”, dealing with discarded clothes and making sure that the blankets provided decent coverage of the modern underwear underneath. That was followed by a quick change in the second act for the brides from winter into spring, which was managed by the expedient of wearing winter clothes over the top of the spring dresses.  The final quick change into wedding garb for the shotgun weddings of the finale we actually did on stage behind a front cloth, while Adam and Millie have some dialogue going into the scene. This time it was the brothers who had to help the brides, doing up zips and holding head-dresses and bouquets while we frantically changed from our patchwork spring dresses into various pastel shaded wedding dresses. You can imagine the opportunities for things to go wrong ! But, actually I don't think any of them did, and no-one missed an entrance or got the wrong costume.

To be continued.

West Side Story

A real challenge for any society, West Side Story has everything, dancing, singing, love scenes, fight scenes, tragedy and comedy. So where to start? The first time I was privileged to be a part of the team performing this fantastic musical we started with 2 months of exercise and dance training, learning steps and upping our stamina to be able to cope with the rigours of this energetic show.

As with any amateur company we had differing levels of experience, some with all round “triple threat” talents, others learning all from scratch. I had been a dancer for a long time, but my principal training had been in ballet, and I had to learn the intricacies of back drops and rock and roll lifts, plus I had never learned to read music, so singing was also a new experience, especially the lovely harmonies required for the Quintet (Tonight).

I was lucky to take the part of Graziella (Riff's girlfriend) which meant I was included in the “Cool” number, (which position is swapped in the stage version to the film with Officer Krupke, so Riff sings it in Doc's store before the War Council) and part of the “Jets”. Even now I am surprised by how quickly one identifies with one's gang.

The second time I was in West Side Story I belonged to the Shark girls, and had to completely re-think my attitude even before starting rehearsals, almost to the point of deciding not to take part. Almost, but not quite, the pull of the show is such that I would sweep the stage just to be part of the production, so a small matter of changing sides isn't going to stop me.

The emotional connections made by immersing myself in rehearsals for 6-8 months at a time to the music and lyrics have stayed with me ever since, and I am often to be found quoting lines of dialogue or lyrics in all kinds of situations. “It's when I don't look that it happens” is a favourite taken in or out of context!

So much so that in rehearsals for other shows afterwards we ended up with a “Quotes” box (like a swear box) for every quote that did not belong to the current production. A small way of fund raising and maintaining concentration!

To be continued ...

Myra

If you have a story to share about West Side Story please add a comment or contact me via the website www.thedramaqueensdrawers.co.uk