|
Guys and Dolls by San Diego Junior Theatre  The Guys are participants in an illegal gambling operation. The Dolls want Guys who aren't mixed up in that kind of stuff. But when it comes to Guys and Dolls, what you think you want and what you fall in love with are rarely the same thing. Such is the case in this classic musical romantic comedy.
Nathan Detroit runs the oldest established permanent floating craps game in New York. His fiancé of fourteen years, Adelaide, is literally growing sick of waiting for their wedding day. But nor does she have any intention of marrying a criminal. So Nathan has her convinced that he has put down the dice for good. Of course, that little ruse won't last through the entire show. Tonight is a good night for craps. Big gamblers from all over the country have converged on New York, just itching for a little action. Nathan stands to make a bundle if he can just find a location to house the game, but the safest place he can find wants $1,000 upfront. Money he doesn't have. But money that rich gambler Sky Masterson has in abundance. If only he could win the money from Sky in a bet.... When Sky claims that one dame is pretty much like another, and boasts that he could take any of them out to dinner in Havana, Cuba, Nathan sees an opportunity. Sister Sarah Brown and her band of missionaries have been marching through town, trying to save the souls of New York sinners. If Sky can't take Sister Sarah to dinner in Havana, Nathan wins the money for his dice game. The stage is set. The actors are on it. And San Diego Junior Theatre put together a great group of them for this inspired production. Leading the way is Nathan Detroit (Zicciah Topping-Reddecliff) and Adelaide (Katie Chadwick). Both are masters of comedy. Zicciah has that droll, fatalistic sense of humor. And Katie gives a truly remarkable performance with her hysterical expressions, voice, and melodrama. She especially excels in Adelaide's Lament where she discovers her cold symptoms are psychosomatic. Also turning in a nice performance was Lindsay Hubbard as Sarah Brown, with her lovely voice singing I'll Know with Sky Masterson (Steve Cavanaugh) and her charming If I Were a Bell after she has had a little too much Bacardi-flavored milk in Havana. When it comes to singing and dancing, this ensemble holds their own against any cast. Under the direction and choreography of Junior Theatre's Artistic Director, Michael Anthony, the big dance numbers are dazzling. Adelaide's Hot Box Girls hoof it with terrific skill and enthusiasm. But the biggest and most energizing number brings the whole ensemble together for the rousing Sit Down, You're Rockin' The Boat. Going further than usual, the cast really did start "Rockin'." Their spirited dancing and singing led to a long, sustained ovation from the appreciative audience.  The whole Sit Down, You're Rockin' The Boat number is led by the always-eating Nicely-Nicely (Joey Price), who garnered the biggest laughs of the evening while talking to Nathan Detroit with his mouth full. When an enormous amount of half-chewed bread came spewing out onto the stage floor, even the surprised Nathan was forced to take a few seconds to gather himself. Which was okay, because the audience took even longer to stop drowning out the action with their roars of laughter. Now that's quality theatre!
Such quality theatre takes place in a very quality environment. Started with the help of the Old Globe Theatre's Craig Noel back in 1948, San Diego Junior Theatre has been holding its productions in the luxurious Casa del Prado Theatre in Balboa Park since 1953. In this large, regal setting with orchestra pit and all the trimmings, San Diego's future professional artists get an early taste of the big time. Although, with the marvelous direction by Michael Anthony and stylish costumes by Margaret Hagar, all appearances would indicate they have already reached the big time! Rob Hopper San Diego Playbill ~ Cast ~
Scranton Slim: J. Ryan Mickler Newsie: Caitlin McCarty Nicely-Nicely Johnson: Joey Price Benny Southstreet: Brandon Davidson Rusty Charlie: Brandon Alter Sarah Brown: Lindsay Hubbard Arvida Abernathy: Erin Gilmore Calvin: Anthony Kaneaster Corporal Wilson: Kit Medina Martha: Shanda Pierce Helen: Courtney Linton Ila: Jacqueline Lopez Harry the Horse: Andrew Rivera Lt. Brannigan: Andrew Utt Nathan Detroit: Zicciah Topping-Reddecliff Angie the Ox: Erin Hatch Miss Adelaide: Katie Chadwick The Greek: Matthew Bohrer Eighty-Eight Keys: Jesse Johnson Liver Lips Louie: Kyle Johnson Mumbles: Tommy Beas Society Max: Brian Polk Red-Nosed Regan: Chris Luna Sky Masterson: Steve Cavanaugh Agatha Tristen: Heather Forte Joey Biltmore: J. Ryan Mickler Mimi: Allie Zumberge Oona: Suzanne Choplin Mitzi: Hillary Hubbard Hilda: Mara Solar Stella: Carly McCord Esther: Julianne Little Gladys: Rebecca Marberry Lily: Lauren Campbell General Matilda B. Cartwright: Emily Lloyd Big Jule: Remy Moses Director/Choreographer: Michael Anthony Music Director: Jasper Grant Technical Director: Tony Cucuzzella Set Design: Tony Cucuzzella Lighting Design: Rick Mittleider Scenic Artist: Darlene Daley Costume Design: Margaret Hagar Sound Design: Will Neblett |