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Printed From Acorn-Online.com Wilton Bulletin
All the high rollers are in town, and they’re depending on Nathan Detroit to set up this week’s incarnation of “The Oldest Established Permanent Floating Crap Game in New York.” The problem is that he needs $1,000 to secure the only place willing to let him and his sidekicks in — the Biltmore Hotel garage. Enter Sky Masterson, a no-holds-barred gambler who will bet on virtually anything, including Nathan’s $1,000 wager that Sky can’t get Sarah Brown, a straight-walking sergeant who’s short on sinners at the Save-a-Soul Mission, to go on a date with him — in Cuba. Throw in Miss Adelaide, a nightclub singer who has been engaged to Nathan for 14 years, Police Lieutenant Brannigan, who has a knack for appearing at the most inopportune times, eight sizzling hotbox dancers, and a band of shady characters such as Nicely Nicely and Harry the Horse, and you’ve got a musical of epic proportions. A total of 56 high school students have been rehearsing countless scenes, complex dance routines, and the songs of composer and lyricist Frank Loesser for next week’s opening of Guys and Dolls. The show runs Thursday, May 15, at 7:30 p.m., Friday, May 16, at 8 p.m., and Saturday, May 17, at 5 p.m., at the Clune Center. Co-directed by Mat Young and Sharon Anderson, the show hearkens back to the Golden Age of Broadway - with some new twists. “We looked at the show with fresh eyes,” said Ms. Anderson. “There are 22 very talented seniors appearing in this musical who, along with their fellow underclassmen, have great perspectives on how a scene should be played. Many of their ideas were incorporated into the show, bringing originality to this Broadway classic.” Rehearsals began in January and run three or more hours a day, Monday through Thursday. As opening night approaches, rehearsals increase to four or five hours a night and extend into the weekend — all at a time when students are dealing with Advanced Placement exams, SATs, the college application process and sports. “The sets are big, beautiful and multi-tiered,” said Mike Ward, who plays the role of Sky Masterson. “The costumes are insane and there are lots of extravagant musical numbers. This is a very high-energy show.” In truth, everything about Guys and Dolls is big, from the technical and stage mechanics to the wardrobes. “There are upwards of 280 different costumes in this show,” said Marty Kozlowski, Wilton High School producer of fine and performing arts, who along with a committee of parent supporters, determine and create each outfit. “Most of the actors have four to five costume changes, which is unprecedented for a high school performance.” The sets change almost as often as the actors, transporting the audience from the streets of New York to the tropics of Havana, Cuba and back again. Created by Christian Planton and Chris Randazzo, the set designs for Guys and Dolls are some of the most ambitious and detailed scenes to appear at the Clune Center. Add to that a musical score comprised of one hit after another, performed by a full orchestra consisting of professional musicians, Wilton High students, teachers and the vocal talents of Joanna Valk, Chris Kozlowski, Annabelle Fox and Mike Ward, and you’ve got a production not to be missed. For tickets: 834-4844, or whstix@aol.com © Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers |
