• The cast has prepared “Guys and Dolls.”
Star Valley High School theater and music students are presenting the classic “Guys and Dolls” this weekend in the SVHS auditorium. Thursday and Friday curtain times are 7 p.m., while Saturday showtimes are 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
“Guys and Dolls” is a romantic comedy that features some of the most beloved vocal numbers of the crooners era with favorites like “Luck, Be a Lady,” and the endearing comedy of “Adeliade’s Lament.” The 1955 Hollywood film adaptation headlined Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brandow, Jean Simmons and Vivian Blaine.
The SVHS cast has been preparing for about ten weeks, learning lines, music, and choreography. Adults who are working with the production have been designing and building sets and costumes, teaching dance and music numbers, and gathering props.
THE WEEKDAY WAKE-UP INTERVIEWS THE CAST OF “GUYS AND DOLLS.” –
“This has been a really fun cast,” said SVHS Drama Coach Tami Nielsen. “They have just done a good job studying their characters and just being prepared and on the ball. It’s been a fun time. I’ve really enjoyed it this year.”
Though most of the students involved had never heard of the show before this fall, once they began learning the material, they came to love it and are excited to share it with the community.
Nielsen has fond memories of the show as the first musical she participated in as a high school student. Though she didn’t ever expect to direct it, she determined that it was a good choice for SVHS and the students involved this year. Though the script has more male parts, the SVHS ensemble involves many girls dressed as gamblers, which allows for a larger group of girls to be part of the cast.
“My biggest goal for this show was just to make it a huge Kaleidoscope of color and movement, and just really make it not only pleasing for the ears but visually pleasing,” said Nielsen. “The costumes are colorful. The set is colorful. I just wanted it to be just such a pleasure to listen to and to watch, and that’s what it is. There’s a lot of choreography and it’s just a lot of fun. It’s just high energy and just fun to watch.”
Several adults in the community have worked hard to support Nielsen’s vision for the show. Costumes have been created by Rachelle Christensen, Becky Hart and Bethany Strgar. Tyson Balls designed the set and engaged his Stage Construction class in building it. Along with Nielsen, Autym Edwards has been spent many hours painting, and preparing wig and makeup design. Dane Hepworth managed light and sound design, and Gina Fullmer has served as the assistant director and producer. The SVHS Activities Director, Rob Erickson, has supported the entire crew, facilitating rehearsal scheduling and bussing support.
“Admission is free,” Neilsen reminded the community. “We love Star Valley, and we love the kids in Star Valley. We want to show them our support. Just come out and support these kids that we all love.”
