HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1996-05-08, Page 39A Guy and his Doll
The musical talent of Melina Hussey of East Wawanosh
as Sarah Brown and Craig Fair of Bluevale as Sky
Masterson was a highlight of the F.E. Madill Drama Guild's
production of Damon Runyan's popular Broadway hit Guys
and Dolls. The show played to full houses for its three-night
run and earned standing ovations at each.
Theatre review
In Guys and Dolls F. E. Madill student, Kelly Alexander was a scene stealing
sweetheart as Adelaide, the affianced 'doll' of shyster Nathan Detroit, played by Manny
Hussey of East Wawanosh, left. Here, Harry the Horse, (Justin Tessier) behind the
happy couple, tells Lieutenant Brannagan (Mark Baird) that everyone was together not
for an illegal crap game, but for a bachelor party for the less than enthusiastic Detroit.
Havana smooth
Abby Knorr and Blyth Festival Young Company alumnus
Shane MacKinnon gave a colourful turn on the dance
floor during Guys and Dolls Havana scene. The show,
performed by Madill's Drama Guild ran May 2, 3, and 4.
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THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 1996 PAGE 39.
Madill's 'Guys and Dolls'
perform play like pros
1
By Bonnie Gropp
Anyone with negative preconceived ideas of the
youth of today, would have done well to have seen
the F.E. Madill Drama Guild's performance of
Guys and Dolls last week. I'd be willing to bet that
it would have done you a world of good.
This story of high rollers and soul saviours, of
saints and sinners set in New York, was delivered
in quality style by the young cast and crew. It took
not just countless hours of hard work and
dedication to recreate this ambitious post World
War II musical, but a medley of talent
The central characters in the Damon Runyan tale
of love and commitment, are Nathan Detroit,
Adelaide, Sky Masterson and Sarah Brown.
Detroit is the smooth-talking operator of a
legendary crap game; Adelaide, his faithful fiancé
of 14 years. Masterson, a notorious lady's man and
gambler, loses his heart to the prim mission "doll"
Sarah Brown.
Grade 9 students Craig Fair, of the Bluevale-area
and Melina Hussey, of East Wawanosh, who
portray Masterson and Sarah both possess voices
that stir the soul, with a maturity and depth that
belies their tender years. Hussey's older brother,
Manny, seems as comfortable with the role of
Detroit as with an old friend. His easy charm made
the rogue a likeable one, while his singing voice is
as rich and smooth as cream.
But it's Kelly Alexander who steals your heart
and the show with her portrayal of the ditzy blonde
Adelaide. To this reviewer's eyes, she was a more
tender, less abrasive Adelaide, than even the
inimitable Karen K. Edissi, who played her in the
Stratford Festival production of Guys and Dolls
several years ago. While she may not yet have the
confidence of an Edissi, Alexander's talent already
makes you sit up and take notice.
Also included in the cast, from The Citizen
readership area were: Rowan Kerr, Matt Campbell,
Aaron Barnes and Steve Wray, all former East
Wawanosh PS students, Shannon Scott of Hullett
PS, Andrew Exel, Denise TenPas and Ashley
Gropp of Brussels and Rachel McQuail of West
Wawanosh.
From the crapshooters, to the Hot Box Girls to
the mission band, the challenge of this demanding
production was met with vitality. Directed by
teacher, Louanna Alexander, the cast members
played so convincingly that it was easy to forget
their ingenuous years. Even a slight gaffe on
opening night was handled with poise.
While the comedic timing may not always have
been as adroit as it could have been there was still
an abundance of laughs. Also, though the pace of
the show slowed a bit at times, particularly in the
first act, by the second things were on a roll with
the momentum continuing through to the spirited
conclusion.
Two particular scenes, the delightfully bouncy
Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat, led by Blyth
Festival alumnus Shane MacKinnon and the
Havana fight scene, showed the diversity and
discipline of the group.
Set designs were simple but effective, costumes,
considering the limited budget surprisingly
adequate. The stage crew kept it all running
smoothly and the orchestra, which also included
Malinda Exel and Crystal Semple, both of
Brussels, did a great job with the complicated
score.
If there is one big drawback with the
performance, it is the gymnasium seating which,
unless you arrive almost one hour before the show,
affords you a less than suitable vantage point.
Perhaps it's just a sore point with this vertically
challenged attendee, but with so much work put
into such an aspiring venture, it seems a shame that
everyone couldn't have an unobstructed view.
I didn't have to see it all, however, to
acknowledge not just the talent of these fine young
performers, but the depth of character it takes to
commit yourself to such an exhausting task. In
addition to poise and concentration they have to be
organized and responsible. Such fervour for a craft
couldn't help but make you feel good about what
you were seeing. As one woman behind me
remarked, "There are a lot of people so down on
kids these days, but there are a lot of good ones out
there."
I regret to admit that this was the first of the
Drama Guild's annual projects it has been my
pleasure to see. I'd give you 10 to one odds it won't
be my last_
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