Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Joy Ye (11) STAFF REPORTER
This year, the school’s drama students are joining together to present a play called Guys and Dolls on April 26th, 27th, and 28th.
The auditions were held on October 11 and 12. Since then, the cast, the crew, and the art team have been hard at work.
The cast worked on dancing and blocking with Mr. Lothian, Ms. Hall and Ms. Sgouros. They worked on vocal with Ms. Facchini. Vanessa, a former student, choreographed various numbers for the play as well.
Guys and Dolls is a musical that first premiered on Broadway in 1950, and was performed over 1200 times. It won a Tony Award for Best Musical. It was adapted into a film in 1955. The music and lyrics were originally written by Frank Loesser, and Jo Swerling while Abe Burrows wrote the book. The play is based on two short stories by Damon Runyon, “The Idyll of Miss Sarah Brown,” and “Blood Pressure.” The play is set in New York, and centres around three gamblers who cast a bet with high stakes.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Ronit Bhola (11), who is a part of the cast.
What character do you play? Can you tell us a little about him?
The character I play is Nicely-Nicely Johnson and as you can tell by his name, he is a sincere and friendly character. He is a gambler who’s also [the main character] Nathan Detroit’s friend but the nicest of them all. He’s usually known for his song “Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat.”
Why did you become involved with Guys and Dolls?
Well honestly I had no idea about the details of the play. I know there have been plays in the past but I never knew how to be a part of it or how to audition. Then I took the drama class and I really liked it. So through that I found out about the play and everything I needed to know. I thought being part of a school production would be something different and cool to try out. I think it’s always cool to put yourself out there and becoming comfortable in uncomfortable situations. So taking in this consideration I made the decision to join the play.
What has your experience with the play been so far?
Honestly it has been nothing but fun. When I come to school, I’m always looking forward to play practice after school. I have met so many new people who same the same interests. The cool part is that we’re able to come together and create something beautiful. Make sure to check out the final product in April!
Jenna Milner (11), one of the leads, was kind enough to give me an interview.
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What character do you play? Can you tell us a little about her?
My character in the play is Sarah Brown, a very religious woman who helps run the mission in New York. I’m not sure how much I can tell you, but Sarah is a very conservative and devoted woman, and the mission means everything to her.
Why did you become involved with Guys and Dolls?
Ever since grade 9 drama class, I’ve loved acting and performing. The play is also an overall amazing and thrilling experience and I’ve found that fellow cast members become a family. In my opinion, it’s a great way to form new friends as well as do something incredibly fun and rewarding.
What has your experience with the play been so far?
This year’s play so far has been amazing! We’ve all put in so much effort, and with each rehearsal, the bond between the cast and crew strengthens. I absolutely love being in the play and working alongside so many talented and amazing friends.
I also got to speak to two members of the hard-working but rarely credited ensemble, Hope Dewan (11) and Sabrina Dewan (10).
What is the role of the ensemble?
Hope: We dance and sing in many numbers, for example Bushel and a Peck, Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat, and the Oldest Establishment. We tap dance in Luck be a Lady, and many other songs. We also play extras such as crapshooters (gamblers) and New Yorkers.
What has your experience with the play been so far?
Sabrina: This is the second school play that I’ve been in, and it’s just an amazing way to get involved and know people. Even though I’m in the ensemble, I’m happy to be there. We are appreciated and involved just as much as the leads. I got to learn so much!
A production is more than who’s on stage. There are many people who work behind the scenes, like set design, choreographers, and hair and makeup. Jane Xu (11) is a member of set design.
There are many art students working hard behind the scenes, but are rarely acknowledged. Can you tell us about the work of set design and their importance?
Visual art is needed for many parts of the play. That’s where Set Design comes in. We design and paint the huge sets establishing the background of the play, which is why we’re called Set Design, as well as some of the props. We support the work of the actors, directors, and stagehands by helping them bring the play to life.
