Thomas County Central High School Drama program will roll the dice this Friday and Saturday in its spring musical, “Guys and Dolls.”
“It’s about romance and gambling,” Camille Sowell, who plays Adelaide, said.
Costar Kaleb Goss adds, “…and guys who trade romance for gambling.”
The musical’s plot is based on short stories by writer Damon Runyon and the book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. Music and lyrics are by Frank Loessner.
“This Broadway musical comedy standard has stood the test of time,” TCCHS Drama teacher Cary Riggs said. “It's fun for the whole family to enjoy with its endearing New York characters and joyful tunes such as ‘Guys and Dolls,’ ‘Luck Be a Lady,’ and ‘Sit Down, You're Rockin’ the Boat.’”
Goss said “Luck Be a Lady” is his favorite number in the show. His character, Sky Masterson, is “a very successful gambler” who falls in love with a missionary, a girl who is, at first, a bet.
“It’s easy to portray the emotion in the song, and easy to relate to,” Goss said.
Sowell said her character “just wants to get married” to her fiancé of 14 years. Her favorite number is “Adelaide’s Lament” because she gets to have attitude.
“I like her personality,” Sowell said of her character. “It’s big and flashy and funny. Also, her vocal range is my vocal range.”
Behind the scenes is stage manager Randi Dupree, who’s been working to get everything in order for opening night. She said there are a few unique additions to this year’s spring musical to get the audience more involved in the production.
“We’re using the whole auditorium,” Dupree explained. “We have signs hanging from the ceiling that say things like ‘Hot Box’, and the actors will be taking their performances into the audience.”
The student performers say having programs like drama in schools is important because they help youths discover themselves, gives them a chance to shine, is an outlet outside of academics to challenge them, and gives those students interested in careers within the field a good starting point.
They encourage the public to attend their show.
Sowell said it is “a lot of fun” and the plot will be familiar to the audience.
Goss said, for seniors, this is their second-to-last show and they want to “go out with a bang.”
“Guys and Dolls” will be performed 7 p.m. each night at the Thomas County Board of Education Auditorium, located on Pinetree Boulevard (across from Wendy’s). Tickets are $8 each and will be available at the door.
IF YOU GO BOX
WHAT: TCCHS Drama presents “Guys and Dolls”
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday
WHERE: TCBOE Auditorium on Pinetree Boulevard
TICKETS: $8