Strong cast of PE Musical Company entertains with song, dance and humor
By CHRISTINA MARTINI
Scene Writer
A rich blend of vibrant music, impressive dance moves, eye-catching cast numbers, colorful comedy, well-honed New York accents and raw talent combine to produce a premium Pasquerilla East Musical Company performance of Frank Loesser's classic musical, "Guys and Dolls."
The musical, opening Thursday, is directed by senior Matt Baggetta and senior assistant Tiana Checchia, also the show's choreographer.
"Guys and Dolls" is set in New York City and tracks the back-alley shenanigans of well-known gambling coordinator, Nathan Detroit.
The plot is centered on Nathan's scheme to rent out a location for the "Oldest Established Permanent Floating Crap Game in New York." To raise the $1,000 he needs to rent out the Biltmore Garage, he bets gambling extraordinaire Sky Masterson, known for his high rolling and affinity for betting, that he cannot get a date with virginal mission worker Sarah Brown.
Amidst the crap shooting and glitzy gambling scene, Nathan also diverts committing to a wedding date with Miss Adelaide, his fiancée of 14 years.
"The cast is amazing," said Baggetta, who became involved with the PE Company two years ago when acting in the group's performance of "Godspell." "They are the most talented people I've ever been around."
"Guys and Dolls" marks Baggetta's first directing experience. "I'm flying by the seat of my pants," he said.
Baggetta and Checchia chose to direct "Guys and Dolls" because of its large supporting cast. "We wanted to get a lot of people on stage," Baggetta said.
Both Baggetta and Cheechia said it was a hard decision to refrain from performing this year, but both feel the decision to direct has been ultimately rewarding.
Their efforts have clearly paid off. The musical gleams with professionalism and every character, supporting or principle, is extremely talented.
The show is fast-moving, as each cast member devotes their all to the lines, songs, dance moves and jokes. "Half of the funniest people on campus are in this show," said junior Alan Maginn who stars as Nathan Detroit.
"The auditions were the hardest part," Checchia said. Out of the 120 students who auditioned, only 29 were chosen.
From the large pool of budding actors and actresses, several freshmen were selected and one, Tricia Gilbert, was even given the principle role of Sarah Brown.
Gilbert has vocal, acting and dancing talent. Her voice is superb and she plays the role of Sarah with maturity and style.
She admitted that performing in "Guys and Dolls" was a huge commitment, but that she could not help but throw her whole self into it. Gilbert said fears about being a freshman in a talented cast was quickly dissuaded.
"The hardest part is coming in as a freshman and being unsure if people are going to accept you," Gilbert said. "It was definitely intimidating."
However, many fruits have come from her labor. "My life is never going to be the same again," said Gilbert. "[The cast and crew] are a part of my life now."
The camaraderie among the cast is obvious, and that chemistry contributes to a fast-paced, easy-viewing show. "We're having fun, and happen to put on a show in the meantime," said Maginn.
This is not Maginn's first time playing "Nad-en" (as the main character's name is pronounced by the gambling gangsters). During Maginn's junior year of high school, he was also cast in the part. "It was neat to do the role again because I was able to see the ways I changed and how that affected the way the character changed," he said.
Magnin's experience is evident in his performance of Detroit. His easy-going attitude and acting ability is perfect for the conniving yet lovable crapshooter.
Tommy Curtin plays Sky Masterson, the gambler who pursues Sarah Brown. Finesse and sensitivity are needed for this part, and that's exactly what Curtin gives. "Guys and Dolls" marks Curtin's third performance with the Company.
"I always loved theater and it's especially great with a company like this," Curtin said. "The people you meet make the experience — that's what lasts."
Detroit's fiancée of 14 years, Miss Adelaide, is played by the talented junior Heidi Kellner. Kellner's petite frame and powerful voice make a great combination on stage
Kellner's character is distinctly humorous. "This was a fun role because Adelaide is a really upbeat character," said Kellner. "People like her and she is challenging to play."
Because of Detroit's elusive marriage promises, Adelaide develops a psychosomatic cold that leaves her perpetually sneezing. This adds even more absurdity to her extremely high-pitched voice.
The humorous antics of Detroit's comical cronies, Nicely-Nicely Johnson (junior Ryan Cunningham) and Benny Southstreet (freshman Ray Areaux) are also entertaining.
Cunningham and Areaux have a charismatic flare that makes the not-so-bright duo particularly likeable. Their duet which gives the musical its name — "Guys and Dolls" — consists of a complicated yet precise tap act.
"Luck Be a Lady Tonight," an all-male dance number in the second act, is definitely impressing. The well-choreographed moves show off the actors' rhythm and the song's harmony displays their vocal talent.
Another fun full-cast number is "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat," a big closing act performed by Nicely-Nicely Johnson at the Save-a-Soul mission. This is a well-known song that is energetic, catchy and pleasing to the eye — a wonderful end to a spectacular show.
Good directing, a wonderful cast, time, talent and dedication are expertly packaged together in this spring's production of "Guys and Dolls."
All Scene Stories for Wednesday, February 7, 2001
