SEATTLE -- It may not have been a hit on Broadway, but the stage adaptation of Seven Brides For Seven Brothers has had a healthy life in summer stock and regional theatres for the past few decades. It receives its belated Seattle premiere (save for some high school mountings) at Civic Light Opera Apr. 23-May 16, 1998.

Veteran Broadway dancer Oliver Woodall directs and choreographs the production, with musical direction by Susan Bardsley. The show has a book by Lawrence Kasha and David Landay based on the original M-G-M film version and "The Sobbin' Women" by Stephen Vincent Benet, and retains most of the original film score with music by Gene de Paul and lyrics by Johnny Mercer, augmented by several songs by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschorn.

Featured cast members include Mark Sparks, Kim Hillock, Darren Nicholas, Barry Snarr, Ron Fissel, Crystal Dawn Munkers and Natalie Ryder.

Seven Brides For Seven Brothers opens Thurs. Apr. 23 at 8 PM, continuing Friday and Saturday nights at 8 PM and Sunday matinees at 2:30 PM through Saturday May 16. CLO performs at The Jane Addams Theatre 11051 34th NE. For tickets ($12-$22) call (206) 363-2809.

-- By David-Edward Hughes
Seattle Correspondent