Based on "The Sobbin' Women" by Stephen Vincent Benet and the 1954 Stanley Donen-directed picture, the musical, set in 1850s Oregon territory, concerns rowdy brothers who capture wives of their own after eldest brother snags one.

"It takes a long, hard winter for these rough and rowdy boys to win over their brides with flowers and romance," according to Goodspeed. Jane Powell and Howard Keel starred in the movie, known for its athletic dance sequences choreographed by Michael Kidd.

Performances will play the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, CT, April 22-July 3, 2005, opening the 2005 Goodspeed season. It will tour under separate producers in fall 2005 and into 2006.

Seven Brides appeared on Broadway in 1982 at the Alvin Theatre. With a book by Lawrence Kasha and David S. Landay, the musical comedy also has music by Gene de Paul and lyrics by Johnny Mercer (who penned the movie songs) and additional songs by Lawrence Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn.

The 2005 staging will represent a revised book and score. Goodspeed’s production will be directed by Greg Ganakas, with choreography by Patti Colombo. At Goodspeed, Greg Ganakas has directed Babes in Arms, Brigadoon, George M! and The Pajama Game. Patti Colombo's credits include the national tours of Seussical the Musical and Peter Pan with Cathy Rigby.

"After a new stage production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is created at Goodspeed, featuring significant revisions to the original book and score, a national tour for the 2005-06 season is planned by McCoy Rigby Entertainment and Dodger Touring," according to Goodspeed.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is produced for Goodspeed Musicals by Michael P. Price. No cast has been announced.

Debby Boone, David-James Carroll and Jeff Calhoun were in the 1982 cast on Broadway (the show also had a tour prior to Broadway). Short-lived though it was, the production was Tony Award-nominated for its score.

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