Endearing, Energetic ‘Seven Brides’

“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” based on the 1950s MGM musical, is one of the more vigorous and successful translations of film to stage.

When brawling mountain man Adam Pontipee (John Ganun) takes spunky Milly (Christina Saffran) to wife, it sparks a marrying fever among his rough-edged brothers. After abducting six town girls, the Pontipees skedaddle to their remote mountain farm with their prospective brides--just before an avalanche closes the pass for the winter.

Choreographer and director Sha Newman maintains a high-stepping energy throughout this strongly staged production at the Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities, especially in the superbly athletic dance sequences. Julio Agustin, Sam Zeller, Andrew Makay, Gregg Engle, Michael Hickey and John B. Williford endear as the rowdy yet gentle brothers. Strong performances from Ganun and Saffran round out this testosterone-fueled romp.

The production elements (including the handsome rental sets and costumes) are generally outstanding--except for the unmistakably off-key orchestra. (Note the Musicians’ Union members outside the theater, protesting the hiring of nonunion musicians for the show.)

If you have an acute sense of political correctness, you might want to steer clear of this playfully retro, pre-feminist cartoon (and avoid crossing the picket lines out front)--but if you like toe-tapping escapism, this could be your holiday ticket.

* “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach. Tuesday-Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m. Ends Sunday. $25-$40. (310) 372-4477. Running time: 2 hours, 20 minutes.