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Seven Brides for Seven Brothers: It’s the final days of rehearsal for the cast of this summer’s musical production of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” with opening night ursday, July 19 at the DC Performing Arts Center. It is also the final week to spotlight the remaining performers in the production including the brothers, the suitors, the townspeople, and the children. For tickets, call (320) 286-4120 or online at www. dc.k12.mn.us/pac. Daniel Nate Byrne of Duluth plays the middle brother, Daniel. Daniel is a bit on the shy side and is like a twin to Ephraim. Gideon Erick Carlsted of Howard Lake plays the youngest brother, Gideon. Gideon is timid and shy and generally will do something if Adam tells him to do it. He’s a sweetheart, full of innocence and curiosity, and as the play progress- es, he begins to become his own man and take charge. Caleb Frank Neal Hungerford of Dassel plays Frank, one of the Pontipee brothers. Frank is quick to anger and start fighting. He is fairly aggressive with his brothers, but if outsiders start something, he will be quick to defend his family. Eric Arlien is from Howard Lake and plays Caleb, the third oldest brother. Caleb is known as the strong brother who does the lifting and is also a hunt- er like the others. He is closest to his brother, Benjamin and still picks on the younger brothers. Name: Eric Arlien • What do you like most about working on this production and why? “I enjoy this production because it has al- ways been one of my favorite plays. I also en- joy working with our group. The cast is great and the brothers are a strong group of theater veterans. I enjoy our interactions within the family.” • What has been the most challeng- ing aspect of the show for you? “Just remembering to keep in character and learning to play harmonica. The danc- ing is also very challenging, but it’s a thrill when we finally get it right.” Spotlight Performers Spotlight Performers Benjamin Tom Nelson of Cokato plays brother Benjamin. He is the second oldest of the brothers and is a bit crabby and hard, but his heart eventually melts for his bride. Ephraim Joel Ring of Cokato plays Ephraim, one of the middle brothers. He is a bit on the shy side and is like a twin to Daniel. Name: Tom Nelson • What do you like most about working on this production and why? “It’s a fun story of life on the frontier. It’s great to be working with another great cast and crew. ” • What has been the most challeng- ing aspect of the show for you? “The dancing has been enjoyable, but difficult. It should be fun to watch.” Name: Joel Ring • What do you like most about working on this production and why? “The camaraderie being built amongst the cast is one of my favorite parts of the show. Meeting new people from around the area is always fun.” • What has been the most challeng- ing aspect of the show for you? “Balancing life with rehearsals. Most days, my schedule is to get home from work, eat real quick, and then rehearsal to finish the evening. The craziness will be worth it in the end though!” Name: Nate Byrne • What do you like most about working on this production and why? “I really enjoy working and hanging out with the people of the theatre because they are barrels of fun. If you’ve never been in community theatre, you should definitely at least consider it.” • What has been the most challeng- ing aspect of the show for you? “Juggling? Come see the show and find out why.” Name: Erick Carlsted • What do you like most about working on this production and why? “I love this community and my fellow actors. Rehearsal is always something to look forward to and I’m excited to present the show next month.” • What has been the most challeng- ing aspect of the show for you? “It’s crunch time! We’re putting this pro- duction together with about 75 percent of the time we usually have. However, because of the time, each of us has stepped up to make this production great. You won’t no- tice we were missing time to rehearse.” Name: Neal Hungerford • What do you like most about working on this production and why? “I think that we have a great group of guys playing the brothers. There is a great energy that the group brings to the stage. It is also a good singing group. We have great interactions and are the best group in the production.” • What has been the most challeng- ing aspect of the show for you? “Learning all of the dance moves and the correct sequence they are performed in. There is also a fair amount of moves that are physically taxing for me. If you know me, you will be surprised by some of the things I accomplish in this show.” The brothers ENTERPRISE DISPATCH, Monday, July 16, 2012, Page 8A The suitors These men are considered to be the more acceptable suitors for the brides, as opposed to the rambunctious backwoods men Milly has in mind. The suitors are: Tom Johnson as Matt, Connor Mankenberg as Nathan, William Frickstad as Zeke, Cody Ewald as Jeb, Anton Bartelmehs as Joel, and Ethan Groos (not pictured) as Luke. Compiled by Kristen Miller
