Guys and Dolls: Bethel High School, Spanaway, WA, USA

On April 23, 2011, I had the great privilege of watching Guys and Dolls at Bethel High School in Spanaway, Washington, USA.

The Musical Director, Steve Barnett who dressed in a 40‘s style hat and long black trench coat, appeared not much older than 25, lead an impressive 16 piece orchestra throughout the show, with his sidekick Mike Hoye, who helped with music direction and accompanied on the keyboard.

The orchestra started off the show with a soft distinctive old style jazzy prelude and played throughout the show. It was relaxing and quite enjoyable, I caught myself more times than I can count tapping my foot and moving my head back and forth. Thank goodness I sat in the back row so no one would be distracted.

As a great fan of the Salvation Army, I was pleasantly surprised their characters were a big part of the show. As the production progressed, I kept having to remind myself I wasn't at the 5th Avenue in Seattle as the professionalism and talent were comparable.

The singing, dancing, and acting was far beyond your average high school skills. Drake Brown as Benny South street, and Morgan Vann as Nicely-Nicely Johnson stood out as talented singers, entertainers, and actors and as only a freshman and a sophomore they have time to enjoy high school and hone those skills.

The struggle ensued with the continuous sneaking around trying to get a discreet craps game going. The adorably petite Miss Adalaide, played by Erica Frank could really belt out a tune, dance, and shake her booty which was quite spectacular considering she couldn't have weighed more than 80 lbs soak and wet.

One of the lead boys Nathan Detroit, played by Steven Cagle, was a natural-born actor, he danced around the relentless Adalaide as she pleaded to get married after lying to her mom she had already tied the knot.

Megan Cook played the very believable uptight, religious Salvation Army Sergeant Sarah Brown who sang soprano in her many avoidances of Sky Masterson played by Jordan Drewer, until he won her heart. Jordan was not only an impressive singer, I loved it when he sang "Luck be a Lady," that young man could dance and entertain too.

My favorite part of the show was the Havana dancing and fight scene which must've included the whole cast. The time to put this show together had to have been intense as the choreography was extensive and well done by the performers.

My dear Educational Service Center buddy, the Director of the Arts and Music Department was amazing as Arvide Abernathy. I loved it when he sang, "More I cannot Wish You." How many Department Directors do you see step into a role in a high school play? Michael Sandner is one of my Bethel heroes because of all he does for and with the kids to keep Art and Music alive!

The Production Director:

Mary Ellen Gilmour

The rest of the cast:

Harry The Horse/General Cartwright: Sara Netter

Big Jule: Nate Johns

Lieutenant Brannigan: Ryan Szenk

Hotbox MC/Gambler: Myko Aragon

Mimi-Hot Box Girl: Brielle Lammert

Agatha/Big Jule: Kaitlyn Gates

Allison-Hotbox Girl: Abigail Kostelecky

Ferguson-Hotbox Girl: Caitlin Lorenz

Society Max: Jason Carlisle

Hotbox Girl/Lead Havana Dancer: Trairat "Sum" Unteng

Hotbox Girl: Brittney Muse

Mission Doll: Ronnie Briggs

Hotbox Girl: Ashley Okarski

Technical Crew:

Stage Manager/Sound/Program/Photographer: Alithia Dombrowski

Stage Assistants: Bruno Huerta, Katalynn Sutton

Stage Technicians: Joshua Rodriguez, Kimberly Van Sickle

Stage/Curtain Kaycee Gerken

Photographer: Josselyn Guillarmou

Sound: Racheal Albrecht

Head, light, and spotlight: Grant Aragon, Matthew Parmenter, Travis Hogue

Set Design/Construction: Jack Hagey

Set Construction: Sonja Moran, Matthew Lindberg

Orchestra:

Contra Bass: Shelby Sewright

Piccolo/Flute: Serena Scrivner

Flute: Mystery Culver

Percussion: Tyler Brewer

Saxophone/Clarinet: Nikki Phillips

Saxophone: Theresa Eckles

Trumpet: Amanda Gentry, Lindsey House

Cello: Melena Collins

Trombone: Christian Read

Baritone Saxophone: Theresa Fuller

Viola: Monica Themar

Violin: Michaeline Collins, Jiaqian Lu

Clarinet: Daniel Kennett, Stephanie Day