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Sanibel School sets stage for ‘Guys and Dolls Jr.’

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Photo by CAROL ORR HARTMAN The Sanibel School presents “Guys and Dolls Jr.,” a production of the Performing Arts Class. This Broadway classic, adapted for young performers, will introduce the audience to colorful characters: from left, Sky Masterson (Madelyn LaBar), who is a slick, high-rolling gambler; Sarah Brown (Emily Minoui), an upright but uptight “mission doll,” who sets out to reform evildoers of Times Square; Nathan Detroit (Rachel Wexler), who is desperate to find a spot for his infamous floating craps game; and Adelaide (Grace Paul), a nightclub performer whose chronic cold is brought on by the fact she has been engaged to Nathan Detroit for 14 years. The curtain goes up May 10.

Its spring and that means another incredible production from The Sanibel School’s Middle School Performing Arts Class. It will be presenting “Guys and Dolls Jr.” an adaptation for young performers.

Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, this Broadway classic introduces the audience to colorful characters who have become legends.

Sarah Brown is an upright but uptight “mission doll,” out to reform the evildoers of Times Square. Sky Masterson is the slick, high-rolling gambler who woos Sarah Brown on a bet and ends up falling love.

Adelaide is a nightclub performer whose chronic cold is brought on by the fact she’s been engaged to the same man for 14 years; and Nathan Detroit, her devoted fianc, is desperate as always to find a spot for his infamous floating craps game.

“Exuberant, irreverent and lighthearted, Guys and Dolls is considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy,” said Joe Angelo, director of music at Sanibel School.

The original musical premiered on Broadway at the 46th Street Theater in November 1950 and starred Robert Alda, Vivian Blaine and Sam Levene. It ran for 1,200 performances, winning five 1951 Tony Awards, including the award for Best Musical.

Producers Cy Feuer and Ernest Martin conceived Guys and Dolls as an adaptation of Runyon’s short stories that involved gangsters, gamblers, and other characters of the New York underworld.

Runyon was known for the unique dialect he employed in his stories, mixing highly formal language and slang. While the original Guys and Dolls is a two-act show, the junior version is one act suited for young performers.

“Be sure not to miss this special performance as our talented middle school students take the stage to perform a wonderful story that will be loved by young and old alike,” said Angelo.

The curtain will go up at 7 p.m. May 10-11 and 17-18 in The Sanibel School Auditorium, 3840 Sanibel Captiva Rd. On May 11, there will be a pre-show performance with the Sanibel School Steel Drum Band “Panorama.” There will also be special performances with the Sanibel School Rock Bands on May 17-18.

“(The Sanibel School Rock Bands) are rock trios and quartets playing classic rock from the 60s, 70s and 80s,” noted Angelo.

Tickets for Guys and Dolls are $8 for adults and $3 for children, including students who must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets will be sold at the door and seating will be on first come, first serve basis. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will begin at 7 p.m. and will last about 85 minutes.