"Guys and Dolls" a must-see

by Jessica Williams

If you have a free second during the last weekend in Mar., heading out to see the Nashua High School South performance of “Guys and Dolls” is a great idea.

“Guys and Dolls”, directed by Sophia Santerre, is a story about a group of gamblers, dancers, and missionaries in New York City during the 1940s. The female comic lead, Adelaide, is fed up with her gambler fiancé Nathan Detroit, because he has been promising to marry her for 14 years. Another gambler, Sky Masterson, and Sister Sarah Brown surprise themselves when they fall in love. All the while, an illegal floating crap game is being run around the city.

The students in the cast auditioned days after returning from holiday break. Rehearsals began in Jan. and the show was underway. Three of the four lead roles are being played by NHSS seniors Molly Bruckman, Glenn Sweeney and Chris Humber. Sophomore Taylor Peterson plays the fourth lead role. The cast includes talented musicians from all of the NHSS Music Department divisions and some students who are not in the Music Department at all.

From the very first scene of the show, “Guys and Dolls” is uproariously funny. The opener begins with a variety of characters rushing across the stage, including a shady man, streetwalkers a pack of sightseers. Most of the city ends up in chaos, running after one another by the end of the scene.

Adelaide’s persistent cold is present through the entire production and is accompanied by boisterous sneezing. Nathan is constantly trying to hide the fact that he is still running the crap game, from Adelaide. Sky makes a bet with Nathan that he can take any doll he wants to Cuba, and is left with the task of trying to convince the missionary Sarah to go to dinner with him.

The gamblers and Hot Box dolls lend their voices and dancing feet to several lively numbers that are sure to entertain. From the stomping excitement of “Luck Be a Lady” to the sultry “Take Back Your Mink”, the dancers will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The supporting characters are so hilarious that they are bound to steal the show. Benny and Nicely share the title song, which includes goofy dance moves that you’re not bound to see anywhere else. “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat” is a number that includes the full cast, and brings all of the groups in the city together to hear Nicely recount his dreams.

The musical features well-known songs such as “Bushel and a Peck” and “Guys and Dolls”, all performed by NHSS students. Members of the NHSS Concert Band, NHSS band director Tony Courounis, and a handful or professional musicians make up the orchestral pit for the show, under the direction of Paul Santerre.

Whether you’re a veteran theater lover or a first-timer, “Guys and Dolls” will leave you laughing and in high spirits. Show dates are Mar. 26, 27 and 28 at 7 pm in the NHSS auditorium. Tickets are 10 dollars and are available for purchase from choral director Sophia Santerre. Any tickets left over for each night’s performance will be available at the door. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the senior class.