Michael Milligan / LifeHouse Theater Interview

Photos courtesy of Lifehouse Theater

“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” closes this weekend.

By Tiffany Rose Price

Redlands News Collective

REDLANDS — When a production calls for strong leadership, creative vision, and high-energy choreography, Michael Milligan is the kind of artist who delivers all three. Serving as choreographer, director, actor, and dancer in the theater’s upcoming production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, the highly talented performer is helping bring the beloved musical to life for a new audience. RNC spoke with him about balancing multiple roles, reimagining a classic show, what audiences can expect when the curtain rises, and his Musical Theater Summer Camp for emerging young talent.

RNC: You’re serving as choreographer, director, actor, and dancer in this production. How do you balance so many creative roles at once?

Milligan: It's tough! Thankfully, I have a great team to help, which makes it possible to do all of it.

RNC: What drew you to Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and made you want to be part of this production?

Milligan: I'm a sucker for big, classic dance shows! It is such a wonderful classic dance-musical, and I love bringing the movie vibes to the stage while also implementing some fresh ideas and concepts.

RNC: This is a classic musical that many people know and love. How do you honor the original while still making it fresh?

The ultimate renaissance man: Michael Milligan directs and choreographs Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and is one of the show’s stars.

Milligan: The script actually freshens up a lot of stuff automatically while still including a lot from the original. Essentially, we were able to look at the source material that everyone fell in love with and then choreograph in a similar style.

RNC: Dance is such an important part of this show. What was your vision for the choreography?

Milligan: We wanted to pay homage to the original as much as possible. The film is jam-packed with brilliant choreography, and our cast worked so hard to deliver a handful of tricks from the film that they themselves had never previously done. Eye-catching tricks, western themes in the choreography, and fun character bits sprinkled throughout help us tell the story through movement and dance.

RNC: Were there any musical numbers that were especially exciting or challenging to stage?

Milligan: The "Social Dance" number is always a fun challenge. The number has to be spectacular to watch and also tell the story of the brothers and the suitors vying for the affection of the brides. We spent most of our time on this number, and it has paid off. We are very proud of our cast.

RNC: What has the cast brought to this production that has inspired you?

Milligan: The cast's willingness to learn new things and their dedication to practicing until they achieved our vision have been very inspirational. The couples worked tirelessly before, during, and after rehearsals to perfect these daring tricks that none of them had previously performed.

RNC: The show is currently playing. Any memorable moments?

Milligan: The whole process has been memorable for so many reasons. My wife, Kelsey, and our oldest daughter were able to be part of the production, and our other two children have been backstage with us throughout the process, so it has really been special in that aspect. I think the very first night that we executed all of the tricks in the "Social Dance" was very memorable. We were thrilled to see the cast realize they really could do all the crazy things we had asked of them.

RNC: As both a performer and director, how does being onstage change your perspective?

Milligan: To be honest, it's been a very natural transition. I think overall it has allowed me to have more of a sense of camaraderie with the cast, as we have been together through every part of this process.

RNC: The film version was released in 1954. What themes in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers do you think still connect with audiences today?

Milligan: Well, to be honest, not many people that we've talked to relate to the 1954 film other than enjoying the choreography and the nostalgia of the movie. But we've really tried to pull out the themes of forgiveness and loving correction in our show. When Gideon goes to Adam and addresses him upfront, it produces a change in Adam—granted, we don't encourage the punching to get a point across! Then toward the end when Adam finally does apologize, Milly is ready to forgive him. We've discussed these aspects with our cast, and to some degree, we can all relate in one way or another.

RNC: Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you train as a dancer? At what age did you know you could carry a tune?

Milligan: I have trained in ballet at the Inland Pacific Ballet for over 20 years at this point, and I still currently dance for the company and teach there. I began singing in my children's church choir at age 6.

RNC: What is your advice to any new performer for overcoming onstage jitters?

Milligan: Put the work in to practice well, get training if possible, and if you can't get training, learn what you can from others to the best of your ability. Having a teachable attitude will take you a long way as well, so don't neglect that.

RNC: Why is community theatre so important to you?

Milligan: I've seen young people come into a production who may start the process quiet, shy, and uncertain. But throughout the process of working with others, movement, and music, they gain friendships, new skills, and self-confidence. Theater did many of those things for me, and I'm grateful for the opportunities to continue fostering that environment for the next generation.

RNC: What do you hope audiences feel when they leave the theatre?

Milligan: Joy. I hope they are able to come and watch a silly, far-fetched, well-executed show and leave with a smile on their faces for an evening well spent.

RNC: How can people become involved in future LifeHouse productions?

Milligan: If anyone is interested in being part of LifeHouse, I encourage them to go to our website at lifehousetheater.com. There will be a dropdown tab on the menu for audition information.

RNC: What’s next for you after this production?

Milligan: We'll be heading to Utah for a family vacation to kick off the summer, and then back to LifeHouse for the summer session of our children's musical theater camp, Team Broadway. The Team Broadway program will be producing LifeHouse's Snow White Junior!

More information on the Children’s Musical Theater Summer Camp can be found at milliganproductions.com.

This is the final weekend to see the musical production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Tickets can be purchased lifehousetheater.com. Listings of upcoming productions are on their website.