GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” takes place in the Oregon wilderness during the 1850s, where the young bride, Milly, played by Rebecca Felix, sets off to find brides for her six “rowdy” brothers-in-law to ensure the success of her own marriage. The plan goes awry when the six brothers kidnap six women from a neighboring town to be their wives.

A stage adaptation of the MGM movie will be performed tonight and Saturday by The Theater Project at Mesa State College's Robinson Theatre.

The Theater Project is an adult extension of Creative Avenues, an arts enrichment program for kids age 5 through 12th grade. Owner Joy Potter offers performing and visual arts classes in morning, afternoon, or all-day sessions.

“It's like a little mini camp,” where kids can drop in on any morning, Potter said.

Creative Avenue's Youth Theater Project is open to all children, not just those who attend classes at Creative Avenues, 128 S. Fifth St. In May, The Youth Theater Project put on the kids musical “Aladdin.”

The adult theater project started with “Annie,” which was staged in November. Potter plans to do three or four shows a year, proceeds of which will support tuition-free theater and dance classes for the kids. Cost to be in a show is $35 to cover costumes, rehearsal and performances over a span of six to eight weeks.

For some it's a family affair.

“I'm having a ball — it's so much fun,” said Kathy Prinster, who sang in “Annie,” and is a townsperson in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”

Prinster's 15-year-old daughter Mariah has performed in about every play Creative Avenues Youth Theater Project has produced since it opened in 2007. She's playing the role of Alice, the youngest bride in “Seven Brides.”

“My daughter is a budding thespian. It's such a wonderful way to get her on stage,” Prinster said.

GO&DO What: “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” When: 7 p.m., Fri., June 17; 2 & 7 p.m., Sat., June 18 Where: Robinson Theatre, Mesa State College Cost: $15 adults; $10 students, seniors, military Info: 255-6757; www.CreativeAvenuesGJ.com

Georgann Jouflas' kids have also performed with Creative Avenues — her daughter, Zoe Shanahan, 12, will be singing in the background in “Seven Brides.”

“It makes them more outgoing, and not afraid of speaking in front of people,” Jouflas said. “Plus, they have fun.”

Apparently, Potter is both right- and left-brain-oriented. She taught dance for 12 years, and choreographs musicals at Grand Junction High School where she teaches math full-time. After school she goes to Creative Avenues where she works a few more hours.

Potter said she was motivated to open Creative Avenues because public schools have de-emphasized the arts.

“By the time I see kids in high school, some have already lost their love of learning,” Potter said. “I wanted a place for kids to be creative.”

Monday, June 20, auditions will be held at Creative Avenues for Disney's “Aristocats” for a July youth theater performance.

Open auditions for the adult theater production of the musical “Seussical” will take place June 27. “Seussical” will be performed at the three-day Grand Valley Performing Arts Festival in August.

All kids who audition participate. There's always a place in the chorus. Auditions determine who plays the lead roles, Potter said.

More information can be found at www.CreativeAvenuesGJ.com or by calling 970-255-6757.

AUDITIONS Monday, June 20, auditions will be held at Creative Avenues, 128 S. Fifth St., for Disney's “Aristocats” for a July youth theater performance. Open auditions for the adult theater production of the musical “Seussical” will take place June 27. “Seussical” will be performed at the three-day Grand Valley Performing Arts Festival in August. All kids who audition get to participate.