On Monday 26th April and Tuesday 27th April, Therfield School put on their spellbinding school play of Guys and Dolls. Since rehearsals started in January, all departments have been on their toes, preparing for the event. Music was provided by Therfield students and teachers (with a few hired players thrown in), all of the dances and songs had to be learned by the actors and all of the props and tech was organised by a student and teacher based tech team.
Guys and Dolls is a Broadway 1950s musical. Guys and Dolls is a story of gambling, charity and love. It has four main characters, Nathan Detroit, Adelaide, Sarah Brown and Sky Masterson. All of the characters fall in love at the end. It features big musical numbers including “Luck be a Lady” and “Sit Down your Rocking the Boat”. These songs are examples of swing, which were very popular in this era. Ms Lindsay, music teacher who ran the event describes “the 1950's is an exciting era that has dapper fashion and the music is a symbol of the positive vibes this era brought.” Guys and Dolls is based in two short stories by Damien Runyon, “The Idles of Miss Sarah Brown” and “Blood Pressure”. Both of these feature gamblers, and between them, they feature, Nathan, Sarah and Sky. The character of Adelaide was made up to fit the role of actress Vivian Blaine.
The play challenged both musicians and actors alike as both had to learn new songs, lines and develop characters that they were unaccustomed to. Most of the songs from the play are very challenging because of the emotion put into them. This was particularly seen in songs such as “Marry the Man” and “Sue Me”. These are also both duets so both characters had to rely on each other. For the band it was also challenging. As they had to play music across the transitions as well, there were some very quick page turns! I can also say from first-hand experience that the amount of sharps and flats used were very difficult, I personally had to learn new notes and skills to be able to play the right tune.
Guys and Dolls received high praise with Therfield student Lauren stating “I thought it was really good, very upbeat because all of the actors had clear voices, the orchestra were brilliant in tune which made the singers clear.” Ms Lindsay also says that “Guys and Dolls is a fun, energetic musical that is enjoyable to watch. It has a variety of songs that are addictive to sing along to. The production delivered by Therfield is considered to be one of the best a school has been involved with and saying I am proud is the biggest understatement”. I, speaking along with the other students who were involved in the play, can’t wait for the next show, though it is safe to say that all of the teachers want a well-earned break.
