Perhaps best of all proved to be Jackie Izbicki's star-turn as Miss Adelaide. The usually one dimensional role was given a full dramatic treatment by Jackie without losing any of the comedy. (Jackie even won "Best Dramatic Actress" at the first annual Snydie Awards!)
This essentially typified our interpretation of Guys and Dolls. While recent productions have focussed on the outlandish characters, often to the detriment of the true story of Sky's redemption, we wanted to ground our show in reality. Certainly, we allowed much silliness on the stage (perhaps not as mnay pratfalls as The Matchmaker, but...!), but we also found the humour in the scene.
We also focussed quite a bit on "chemistry - yeah, chemistry." I'm not a big fan of "instalove," which is fairly prevalent in most Broadway shows. I simply cannot invest in a couple who've known each other for a cumilative of two hours. But I can root for "romance with promise." This is what we allowed for with Sky and Sarah's courtship, and what we revelled in with Nathan and Adelaide's relationship...and what we hinted at with Nicely and Astrid's interest!
As for what we learned? "More I Cannot Wish You" and lines like "I do think you should have paid more attention to him!" come a lot better if Grandfather Arvid is actually changed to Sarah's best friend and confidant, Astrid - here brilliantly played by Katie Kritikos.
Stage Managers: Stephanie Bennett, Katie Hogarty, Cassidy Santamaria, Jennie Williams Directed/Choreographed by: Emily C. A. Snyder Produced by: Christine Snyder
Musical Director: Jule Snyder Piano: Michael DeSocio Bass Guitar: Steve Woodard Drums: D. J. Courmier Trumpet: Brian Studer, Eric Synthesizer: Carolyn Halfpenny
Set Design/Decoration: Bonnie Farrington Costumes: Bonnie Farrington, Margie Saez Sound: Tom Prunera, Jim Babish Lights: David Farreh of LazerSound Spotlights: Peter Snyder, Ryan Gonor
(c) 2008
Updated 18 February, 2008
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