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A WONDERFUL DAY
Curtain rises on 7 Brides for 7 Brothers
lATHROP-PLAY-ONE1
Playing the lead roles are Alayna Asuncion as Milly and Elijah Cash as Adam Pontipee. - photo by HIME ROMERO

LATHROP - Alayna Asuncion and Elijah Cash are no strangers to the stage.

They play Milly and Adam Ponipee in the Lathrop High Theater Department production of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”

Thursday was the premiere of the spring musical at the LHS Performing Arts building.

“I’m sure we’re all nervous for opening night,” said drama instructor and director Dianna Puett just prior to the first act. “But they’ve rehearsed and rehearsed and are ready.”

Performances will also be held at 12:30 p.m. this Sunday along with matinees on Saturday, April 21, and Sunday, April 22. A show on Friday, April 20, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Cost is $6 general admission and $3 for those age 12 and under along with senior citizens.

Asuncion and Cash were in last year’s spring musical “West Side

Story.” She played Margarita while he was Chino, who, up to this point was his favorite role.

Cash opens “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” - adapted by the Lawrence Kasha and David Landay book - entering from the aisle of the LHS theater, singing “Bless Yore Beautiful Hide.”

 This is his fourth term in theater.

As Adam, Cash is the oldest brother. They’re of a rough, tough and not so refined during times when men lived off the land.

 Adam meets Milly as he ventures into town. She describes herself as “the best cook this side of the Rockies.”

 Asuncion shines as Milly. She not only sings “Wonderful Day,” “I married Seven Brothers,” and “Going Courtin,’” but does an impressive dance number in the latter.

 She also performed in numerous plays at LHS.

 As Milly, she agrees to marry Adam based on “the goodness of his eyes” reminiscent of her own father.

Adam’s brothers are Benjamin (Myles Romo), Caleb (John Owenby), Daniel (Daniel Lorentz), Ephraim (Manuel Ramirez), Frank (Martin Zavala), and Gideon (Andrew Aquino). Milly uses the ABCs to remember the order of Adam and his brothers.

 She also teaches them etiquette in hopes that each will eventually land a wife.

Adam, Milly and the brothers attend barn dance, where they meet and eventually fall for Dorcus (Jessica Barnes), Ruth (Alma Contreras), Liza (Megan Shelton), Martha (Ashley Jamie), Sarah (Jorelyn Gansit), and Alice (Yesenia Utley).

 They go through extremes in pursuit of their brides.

 The costumes were made possible by Teresa Lorentz, Cassie Beam, and Karen Kent.

Judy Avila was the vocal coach and live accompanist.

For more information call 209-938-6350.