Date: Fri 02-Apr-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: SHANNO

Quick Words:

NHS-Drama-Guys-Dolls

Full Text:

THEATRE PREVIEW: Getting Ready For "Guys And Dolls"

(with cut)

By Maria Pavalo

& Sara Daniels

Music is blasting and the sound of hammers pounding rings throughout the

auditorium at Newtown High School these days as the musical production Guys

and Dolls is coming closer to its first curtain time. With director Anne

McNulty and co-producers Cherie Swetts and Ann Wheaton to instruct and

organize, the popular musical continues to come alive with each passing day.

Since early February, NHS students have taken part in auditions and casting

for the many roles available. Now, nearly two months later, the production is

in good shape for its April 8 opening night as rehearsals, set construction

crews and costume designers continue to improve the quality of the upcoming

show.

Rehearsals are being held daily from 2 to 5 pm for groups such as The

Crapshooters, Hot Box Dancers and Mission Band Members. Those who have

speaking roles are finishing the memorization of their lines, while those in

the ensemble have eagerly learned the exuberant show tunes which comprise the

musical that is based on a book by Abe Burroughs and Joe Swerling (music and

lyrics by Frank Loesser).

With scenes and placement now blocked out, the cast is focusing on getting the

show to come together smoothly as a whole. Speaking and pronunciation are

being emphasized, and dance skits are being polished. Students are also

practicing synchronization and their musical numbers.

"The parts of the show that take the longest to put together are the dancers,"

said Erin Zaruba, a member of the Hot Box Dancers. "It is difficult to [get]

everyone [to] do exactly the same thing, but we are working on it. I am

confident they will be ready for the show."

Behind the scenes, a great deal of work is being put in by crew members. Those

involved in set construction, painting and costumes have put in hundreds of

hours to help prepare for opening night.

"I live here," said Kelly Fuller, who spends on average 25 hours each week

working on the Guys and Dolls set. "The time I spend after school is only

going to increase as it gets closer to the play. Next week I will probably be

spending 35 hours [on the set]."

Most crew members involved have been staying after school on a daily basis,

with an average of seven or eight people working each day.

"The students come whenever they have time to help out," said Miss Fuller.

"It's really great because we all work together well."

The set currently consists of a large backdrop depicting a New York City

street scene from the late Forties.

Ms Swetts and costume adviser Marlene Pixlet are also gathering outfits to

accurately dress the cast to portray the time period. Ms Swetts performs most

of the legwork in arranging costume rentals, and also keeps track of who is

responsible for each costume.

In all, the hard work going on behind the scenes more than equals what will be

presented onstage next weekend. After so much time and effort, the production

is coming together nicely and everyone is excited about opening night, which

is fast approaching.

Guys and Dolls will premiere at Newtown High School on Thursday, April 8. The

show continues with performances Friday and Saturday evenings, April 9 and 10,

and a Saturday afternoon matinee.

"We have two outstanding casts," the director, Anne McNulty, said. "I suggest

that everyone come twice."

Maria Pavelo and Sara Daniels are on the adverting/pre-publicity team for Guys

and Dolls.

Evening performances will be Thursday at 7:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday at 8

pm. A matinee is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at 2. Tickets are $10 for

adults, $6 seniors and students. Details, call Newtown High School, 426-7646.