Musical choreography makes the most of 'Seven Brides'

Choreographer Michael Kidd had an MGM soundstage on which to work his magic in the 1954 movie musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers."

Director/choreographer Kevin Bellie has only Circle Theatre's postage-stamp size stage to work his. And work it he does -- boldly, efficiently and exuberantly -- in this high-spirited, judiciously staged revival of show about headstrong farmer Adam (nice work by Eric Lindahl) who marries a spunky young Milly (sweet, honey-voiced Rachel Quinn), who then finds herself cast as mother, sister and romantic adviser to her husband's six unruly brothers.

The show, with its pleasantly anachronistic plot and unremarkable score (exceptions being the cheery "Bless Your Beautiful Hide" and jaunty "Goin' Courting" and "Sobbin' Women"), is best known for its big, lively dance numbers ill-suited to Circle's small space. Seven amorous brothers + seven attractive young ladies + seven aggravated suitors (scaled back to five) all cavorting on a tiny stage add up to one big problem for a director. But the talented Bellie solves it without sacrificing the spirit of the film's memorable choreography.

The hard-working cast -- strapping, wonderfully boyish siblings Adam Pasen, Shawn Quinlan, Nick Woodrow, Jeremy Myers, Mat Labotka and Tony DiPisa, and their twittering sweethearts Brigitte Ditmars, Ashley Dobson, Meredith Freyre, Rivkah Gevinson, Darci Nalepa and Kelly Schumann -- leap, promenade and whirl in a heartfelt (albeit scaled back) homage to Kidd.

Bellie's detailed choreography echoes some of Kidd's memorable moves. But while the recurring comic fisticuffs, the famous log-rolling, arm-wrestling scene and the marvelously staged town social -- an extended, gee-whiz-style number that will put a grin on your face -- reflect the film's essence, they also bear Bellie's stamp. As do quieter moments like the lovely trio between Lindahl, Quinn and DiPisa and the seductive "Lonesome Polecat," a bluesy number that underscores the sexual tension between the brothers and their would-be brides.

Circle has a way to go before it reaches the level of a Marriott or Porchlight. And while enthusiastic, not every cast member is as polished as Lindahl and Quinn. Still, it's an admirable effort by Circle, where Bellie manages, in a small space, to make a little magic.

"Seven Brides for Seven Brothers"

. 3 stars

out of four

Location: Circle Theatre, 7300 W. Madison St., Forest Park

Times: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 23

Running time: About two hours, including intermission

Tickets: $26

Box office: (708) 771-0700 or www.circle-theatre.org

Rating: For all ages