WHS Drama Presents Guys and Dolls

Watsonville High School Drama presents the musical phenomenon, Guys & Dolls, April 24 through May 3 at the Henry J. Mello Center. Featuring 30 students from three different high schools in Watsonville, this up-tempo production of the 1950’s runaway hit showcases choreography by one of Santa Cruz County’s finest dance professionals.

Director Kip Allert, Drama Director at Watsonville High School said, “Theater is an immensely transformative experience for high school students. It takes a great deal of time and energy to deliver a successful production. Guys & Dolls will be one of the best this community has seen. Expect top-notch dancing and riveting entertainment.”

Max Bennett Parker of Cabrillo Stage provides musical direction while noted dancer and educator Janet Johns brings her original choreography to familiar classics like “Luck Be a Lady,” “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “Bushel and a Peck,” and “Adelaide’s Lament,” transporting us from the middle of Times Square to the cafes of Cuba and the streets of New York City straight into the heart of this oddball romantic comedy.

Considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy, Guys & Dolls opens with gambler Nathan Detroit (WHS senior Edie Garcia) dodging the authorities while trying to find the cash for the biggest crap game in town. Meanwhile, his nightclub performer girlfriend, Adelaide (WHS senior Judit Roman), laments their fourteen-year engagement. Nathan seeks out fellow gambler Sky Masterson (PCC junior Mason Lawrence-Emanuel) for the dough, but Sky’s chasing Sarah Brown (WHS senior Jannet Reyes), the missionary. From straight-laced church-types to wild nightclub dancers and high rollers, this production is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Following the success of last year’s production of West Side Story, this production once more brings Watsonville High, Ceiba College Prep and Pacific Coast Charter together, promising again to bring theatre magic to south county youth.

Six public performances are scheduled at the Henry J. Mello Center located at 250 East Beach Street in Watsonville, beginning on Friday, April 24. Evening performances on April 24 & 25 and May 1 & 2, begin at 7:30 PM (doors open at 7:00). Two matinee performances are offered on Sunday, April 26 and May 3 at 2:00 PM (doors open at 1:30). Advanced tickets can be purchased online at www.watsonvillehs.net or at Crossroads Books, 1935 Main Street in Watsonville for $7.00. Tickets purchased at the door are $9.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 12 and under.

Caption: (L-R) Mason Lawrence-Emanual (Sky Masterson, Jannet Reyes (Sarah Brown), Edie Garcia (Nathan Detroit), and Judit Roman (Miss Adelaide).