Guys and Dolls
Guys and Dolls
ECS Drama Club to perform Broadway musical fable March 28-29
photos / Ellicottville Central School
You know we’re officially getting into springtime when the Ellicottville Central School’s Drama Club readies for their big production, and this year they are doing a hit from Broadway. On March 28th and 29th, the community is invited to see the students perform the ever popular Guys & Dolls. Showtime is 7:00pm both evenings.
Guys & Dolls is a musical fable that is based on the story and characters of early 20th Century writer Damon Runyon. Since it’s opening on Broadway on November 24, 1950, Guys & Dolls has often been described as the perfect musical comedy. Damon Runyon, who developed a unique voice in a distinctive personal style referred to as “Runyonese," has created a musical with minimal use of contractions. This style of writing gives depth to the character while offering a humorous vehicle for the interactions of the lowlife gamblers as well as the members of the “Save a Soul Mission” which is modeled after The Salvation Army.
When asked how they came to a decision to make this their performance, Director Jon Wilder stated, “I have often been asked how I arrive at my choice of musical and the process of casting. Throughout my career as a music teacher, drama director, conductor and musician, I have had the opportunity to be involved with over 70 productions ranging from stage plays, operas, operettas, oratorios and musicals over the past 45 years, which has provided me with a lexicon of characters and settings. In my observing the interactions of the students in a school setting (i.e. in class, lunch, hallway, gym class), as well as their interaction with other students and teachers, I can easily picture them as onstage characters. This, of course, often involves ‘going after’ said students and encouraging them to join our production.”
Set in the bustling streets of 1940s New York City, the story of Guys & Dolls follows two colorful pairs of characters. Nathan Detroit, a small-time gambler, is desperately searching for a location to host his infamous floating craps game while evading pressure from his fiancée of 14 years, Miss Adelaide, who dreams of finally getting married. Meanwhile, Nathan bets the suave high-roller Sky Masterson that he can't convince the virtuous Sarah Brown, a dedicated missionary, to go on a date with him. What starts as a wager quickly turns into a heartfelt romance that challenges both their worlds. Packed with show-stopping numbers like "Luck Be a Lady," "Sit Down," You're Rockin' the Boat," and "Adelaide's Lament," Guys & Dolls is a delightful mix of humor, love, and timeless melodies that is sure to captivate audiences of all ages.
The ECS Drama Club production of Guys & Dolls features:
SENIORS
Ryan Metzger - Nicely Nicely Johnson
Adelaide Weber - Sarah Brown
Mikey Kerns - Arvide Abernathy
Liam McGuire - Harry the Horse
Sophia Sundeen - Miss Adelaide (Saturday Performance)
Saying Sun - Allison
Eleanor Meacham-Williams - Mimi
Alarice Krause - Projections
Ben Edwards - Sound Board
JUNIORS
Talyn Wyatt - Nathan Detroit
Sky Wood - Sky Masterson
Grace Kwagalakwe - General Matilda B. Cartwright
SOPHOMORES
Dominic Tirado - Benny Southstreet
Isabella Wilder - Miss Adelaide (Friday Performance)
Ava Weber - Stage Manager
McKenzie Green - Mic Mistress
Ady Andrews - Stage Crew
Ella Grundy - Stage Crew
FRESHMEN
Collin Weber - Angie the Ox
Abby Rust - Agatha
Alison Antholzner - Martha
Cooper Sciara - Calvin
Carter Kaleta - Lt. Brannigan
Eva LoGuidice - Hot Box Dancer
Keegan Kaleta - Stage Crew
8TH GRADERS
Grace Griffith - Hot Box Dancer
Cayda Kruszyński - Hot Box Dancer
Marshall DeChane - Society Max
Nicholas Wedvik - Liver Lips Louie
In regards to all the work that’s been put into this year’s show, Director Wilder states, “Throughout the past 10 weeks, we have been working, singing, acting, dancing, designing, building, painting and helping each other with one purpose in mind: to create a vision which will transport you to Manhattan, NY in 1951 to watch these lovable characters entertain you. Be prepared to fall in love with these characters who are brought to life by your children.”
He went on to finish with, “I am deeply indebted to my staff, coworkers, parents, orchestra members and fellow teachers and administrators. Please peruse the program and be sure to thank those members of the production team who, without their help, this production would not be possible.”
This is a performance you don’t want to miss, so make sure to come out to The Ward at Ellicottville Central School either March 28th or March 29th for your chance to see it. The cost is just $7 at the door. If you have any questions, you can reach out to Producer Meghan Emborsky at 716-699-2316.
