By Merle Exit
While nostalgic fare such as “Oklahoma!” and “The Music Man” is popular with many community theater groups, the Rockaway Theatre Company is looking back in a few different ways with the production of “Guys and Dolls” that it is putting on for the next two weekends.
“People are constantly asking us to bring back some of the early shows we had done before we achieved our present level of popularity,” producer Susan Jasper said. “We decided to bring back the musical theater classic ‘Guys and Dolls.’ As with its main characters, Nathan and Adelaide, who are celebrating the 14th anniversary of their engagement, this production is presented on the 14th anniversary of our original production, directed by John Gilleece in this very theater in July 2001. We think our audiences will love it, a bushel and a peck!”
With its popularity comes more than one eager cast member.
“When we called auditions for the show, we were pleased to have such a large assortment of talented actors, singers and dancers come down,” Gilleece said. “However, this variety of talent made it very difficult to choose who to cast in the leads. In the end, we selected two complete casts, which play on alternating nights. The roles of Sister Sarah, Sky Masterson, Adelaide, Nathan Detroit, Big Jule and General Cartwright are all double cast. It would be impossible to choose which cast is preferable. I suggest that audiences see the show twice and decide for themselves.”
Rockaway Theatre offers workshops for both kids and teenagers, and shows are a part of that training. But after showcasing the younger talent, the adults are back. “Guys and Dolls” is the second adult show this season.
“‘Lost in Yonkers’ played to packed houses in May,” Jasper said.
There are plenty of newcomers in each cast.
“Maria Edwards who plays Sister Sarah is making her RTC debut in this show. Dancers Makiko Kuri and Bianca Ambrosio, while they are very experienced performers, it is their debut on our stage. Dancer/Actor Atsushi Eda is making his American debut in this show, having recently emigrated from Tokyo. All other cast members are RTC veterans.”
Musical directors Heather Arzberger and Richard Louis-Pierre have been given a 10-piece orchestra to work with and Nicola Depierro Nellen is choreographing the production.
If you Go
“Guys and Dolls”
When: July 10 – July 12 and July 16- July 19
Where: Rockaway Theatre Co., The Post Theatre, Fort Tilden, Far Rockaway
Cost: $20/adults, $15/seniors and children
Contact: (718) 374-6400
Website: www.rocka
