THEATER REVIEW:

Back in 1954, the movie musical “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” was a big hit, winning an Oscar for its score and providing a wide-screen spotlight for the vocal talents of Howard Keel and Jane Powell, not to mention some terrific choreography by Michael Kidd.

Nearly 30 years later, the stage version arrived on Broadway, but didn’t stay long. Neverthe- less, the show has survived in various interpretations ever since.

The latest incarnation of this musical based on Stephen Vincent Benet’s novel “The Sobbin’ Women” currently resides at Golden West College, where director-choreographer Martie Ramm has fashioned a robust, high-kicking treatment of life in the Oregon back woods, circa 1850.

The key to this show’s success is its fervent dancing numbers, and Ramm has selected some splendid talents in this regard. No, there’s no log-rolling scene (as in the movie), but an extended plank between a pair of sawhorses works just fine for the stage adaptation.

As for the vocal accomplishments, audiences will forget all about Keel once they hear Dan Wozniak belt out “Bless Your Beautiful Hide” as he strides into town in search of a wife. And he brings a new meaning to the term “whirlwind courtship” when he lands perky waitress Shawna Skipps in a manner of minutes.

But Wozniak’s character is just the tip of the iceberg, as Skipps discovers when she moves into his home and meets his six younger, unmarried brothers.

All need a crash course in culture and etiquette, which the new bride is happy to provide.

When the brothers try out their newly honed skills at the town social, the fun really begins as the mountain men take on the local yokels for the ladies’ attention.

Ramm thrusts this sequence into high gear in an appreciable exhibition of ensemble excellence.

With Musical Director Bruce Bales and his pit orchestra inspiring them and Walter Huntoon’s splendid backwoods set pieces backing them, the brothers kick up a storm as each finds a special lady — then returns to kidnap her.

In this instance, however, crime really does pay.

Wozniak’s booming voice and Skipps’ stubborn streak highlight the Golden West production, while the other six brothers (Jeremy Heckman, Jonathan Dean, Josh Allton, Ricardo Loe, Evan Strand and Landon Zwick) lend a big hand with all the feudin’, fussin’ and fightin’.

Impressive also are the captive maidens: Lori Lewis, Amanda Baker, Bethany Hamrick, Rachel Jones, Suzanne Panos and, in particular, Natalie MacInnis as the youngest and the lightest on her feet.

“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” isn’t one of those musicals that’s done to death by local theaters. The GWC production is the first for this area since it was born in 1982.

It’s only around for one more weekend and is well worth a look.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”

WHERE: Golden West College Mainstage Theater

WHEN: Closing performances at 7:30 p.m. tonight through Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.

COST: $18 to $20

CALL: (714) 895-8150 or www.gwctheater.com

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.