Date: Fri 16-Apr-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: SHANNO

Quick Words:

Guys-Dolls-Pavelo

Full Text:

THEATRE REVIEW: "Guys & Dolls" An Excellent Show At NHS

By Maria Pavelo

As Newtown High School's sold-out performance of Guys and Dolls took the stage

this past weekend, large crowds entered the school's auditorium, eager to view

the well-anticipated musical. In the end, no one walked away disappointed, for

the cast and crew, headed by director Ann McNulty, technical director Tom

Swetts, and producer Cherie Swetts, presented an excellent show.

The play's lively and well performed opening scene immediately let the

audience know they were in for a treat. The stage bustled with the busy

atmosphere of Broadway, while an enthusiastic musical number was sung by

characters Nicely-Nicely, Benny and Rusty Charlie, played by Andrew Sirois,

Mike Carbonell and Mike Deluca. From then on, things continued to only get

better.

Andrea Marciano gave an outstanding performance, playing the role of Miss

Adelaide on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. Her spirited squeaks and

extraordinary singing left the crowd cheering at the majority of her exits.

Heather Gunn gave her own twist to this role on Thursday and Saturday

evenings. Her portrayal of Miss Adelaide received rave reviews from the

audience as well.

James Dunseith and Pat Curran, as Nathan Detroit and Sky Masterson, also

delivered brilliant acts, with their commendable musical numbers and

convincing portrayal of each role. These character roles were shared by Ben

Coopersmith and Ryan Braun, who pleased the crowds on Thursday and Saturday

nights.

The songs "I'll Know" and "If I Were a Bell" were sung beautifully by Michele

Deluca and Ashwini Srikantiah, who shared the role of Sarah Brown, a main

member of the Mission Band. Each gave an admirable performance, their voices

perfect for the part.

The main highlights of the show were the many fantastic musical numbers. Act

Two began with the well-awaited performance of "Take Back Your Mink."

Decorative costumes adorned Miss Adelaide and the Hot Box Girls as they danced

and sang to this playful tune, impressing the audience with their sassy

attitudes and continual coordination.

"Luck Be A Lady" and "Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat" were also crowd

pleasers. The contagious beats and fun activity on stage filled the entire

auditorium with an even more enjoyable atmosphere.

Finally, the show ended with a bang thanks to a reprise of "Guys and Dolls,"

performed by the entire cast. By the end of the number, the crowd was on its

feet, giving a standing ovation to the students and staff who had worked so

hard to produce such a spectacular show. Words such as "fantastic" and "simply

outstanding" could be heard coming from adults and students alike, proving the

success the musical had achieved.

Overall, Newtown High School's musical production this year turned out to be a

triumphant performance, with the effort put out shining as bright as the

actors themselves.

Maria Pavelo is a student at Newtown High School.