On March 2, Lakehill Preparatory School's seventh and eighth grade musical theater students brought Guys and Dolls, Jr. to the Lakehill stage.
An adaptation of the show considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy, Frank Loesser's brassy, immortal score and witty book makes the show a perennial crowd-pleaser.
Set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City, Guys and Dolls, Jr. introduces us to colorful characters who have become musical theater legends: Sarah Brown, the upright, but uptight "mission doll"; Sky Masterson, the slick, high-rolling gambler who woos her on a bet and ends up falling in love; Adelaide, a nightclub performer whose chronic flu is brought on by the fact she's been engaged to the same man for 14 years; and Nathan Detroit, her devoted fiancé, desperate as always to find a spot for his infamous floating dice game.
Keegan Clendenin led the outstanding cast as Sky Masterson. His singing voice and stage presence were perfectly in tune.
Christian Barefoot displayed a spot-on city accent and great comic timing as Nathan Detroit.
Zoe Williams was an endearing
Sarah Brown, and Ella Berry was a showstopper as Miss Adelaide.
Other notable performers include both Asher Chamoy and Spencer Neill as Nicely-Nicely Johnson and Benny Southstreet. Chamoy provided a strong rendition of the classic number "Sit Down You're Rockin' The Boat." Matthew McCall was a terrific Big Jule, and Marissa Rubio was strong as General Cartwright. Mika Davis gave a convincing performance as Police Lt. Brannigan, on a mission to determine the location of the nightly crap game. The Mission Band members and the Hot Box girls all had their moment to shine.
The musical was co-directed by Linda Booth and Tracy Herron. "Guys and Dolls, although written in 1950, is a timeless musical with components that relate to every age," said Booth. "The students really seemed to enjoy preparing it and we had a great time teaching it. Guys and Dolls, Jr. was the first musical ever performed at Lakehill, and I hope it will be performed again."