NEYT raises the bar as it revives a classic, with fun and flashy 'Guys and Dolls'
BRATTLEBORO
Thursday, December 13
New England Youth Theatre has never met a bar it didn't want to raise.
In its latest production, NEYT continues to push ever higher its own high standards, adding technical accomplishment and increasing musicianship to an already sterling track record for creating stars on stage.
The excitement opening night began before the first actors had ever taken the stage, when the orchestra -- the orchestra -- played the first notes of the overture. It added an air of Broadway-style excitement, seeming to say "this is a big deal," and the orchestra, nine students under the direction of Deniz Cordell, continued to add essential touches throughout.
Then, lights went up, and the audience viewed the set, the first amazing fruit of NEYT's new technical program. Designed and spearheaded by six students -- Jack Maples, Ian McBean, Sam Grubinger, Isaiah Palmeri, Daphne Kinney-Landis and Max Peyton, under guidance from Larry Lawlor and Rick Barron, the sets were absolutely marvelous, ones that any summer stock theater would be proud to call their own.
From the Salvation Army mission stage right to the glitzy theater at center stage to the Hot Box club
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stage left, the sets were well-wrought, well-constructed and stars in their own right.
Add to that how crisply and professionally the backstage crew handled the scene changes and lighting and sound cues -- things that have at times been rough spots for NEYT in the past -- and the tech program made a promising debut.
And all that, merely complemented, what the cast, led by director Rebecca Waxman, choreographer Shoshi Bass, stage manager Adam Woolley and others, accomplished.
"Guys and Dolls" is a beloved musical, and the NEYT actors brought it to life with energy, streetwise flair and a tender heart.
Particularly strong were the performances of the two female leads -- Sarah Ellis as the good girl, Sarah Brown, and Emily Seymour, as the perpetual fiancee and Hot Box Girl, Miss Adelaide -- but there were plenty of other bright spots.
I couldn't believe how well Arthur Davis (Nicely-Nicely Johnson), Jacob Knapp (Benny Southstreet) and Raphi Shamas (Rusty Charlie) handled "Fugue for Tinhorns" to open the show. Davis also showed his piano skills, accompanying himself on "Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat."
Riley Goodemote had just the right touch as the kindly Arvide Abernathy; Nelly Detra stole her scenes as the dice mobstress Big Jule; Colin Hinckley won the audience over with sincerity as Nathan Detroit; and Sean Fitzharris exuded dangerous charm as Sky Masterson.
The rest of the cast, which numbered 30 in all, did a fine job bringing this masterpiece of clever words by Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling and memorable melodies by Frank Loesser to life. It's a fun night with lots of laughs.
Performances continue tonight through Sunday, although the evening performances Friday and Saturday are sold out. Tonight's performance is at 7 p.m., and there are matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $13 for adults and $9 for students. Call the box office at 802-246-6398 or e-mail michelle@neyt.org.
BRATTLEBORO
Thursday, December 13
New England Youth Theatre has never met a bar it didn't want to raise.
In its latest production, NEYT continues to push ever higher its own high standards, adding technical accomplishment and increasing musicianship to an already sterling track record for creating stars on stage.
The excitement opening night began before the first actors had ever taken the stage, when the orchestra -- the orchestra -- played the first notes of the overture. It added an air of Broadway-style excitement, seeming to say "this is a big deal," and the orchestra, nine students under the direction of Deniz Cordell, continued to add essential touches throughout.
Then, lights went up, and the audience viewed the set, the first amazing fruit of NEYT's new technical program. Designed and spearheaded by six students -- Jack Maples, Ian McBean, Sam Grubinger, Isaiah Palmeri, Daphne Kinney-Landis and Max Peyton, under guidance from Larry Lawlor and Rick Barron, the sets were absolutely marvelous, ones that any summer stock theater would be proud to call their own.
From the Salvation Army mission stage right to the glitzy theater at center stage to the Hot Box club
Advertisement
stage left, the sets were well-wrought, well-constructed and stars in their own right.
Add to that how crisply and professionally the backstage crew handled the scene changes and lighting and sound cues -- things that have at times been rough spots for NEYT in the past -- and the tech program made a promising debut.
And all that, merely complemented, what the cast, led by director Rebecca Waxman, choreographer Shoshi Bass, stage manager Adam Woolley and others, accomplished.
"Guys and Dolls" is a beloved musical, and the NEYT actors brought it to life with energy, streetwise flair and a tender heart.
Particularly strong were the performances of the two female leads -- Sarah Ellis as the good girl, Sarah Brown, and Emily Seymour, as the perpetual fiancee and Hot Box Girl, Miss Adelaide -- but there were plenty of other bright spots.
I couldn't believe how well Arthur Davis (Nicely-Nicely Johnson), Jacob Knapp (Benny Southstreet) and Raphi Shamas (Rusty Charlie) handled "Fugue for Tinhorns" to open the show. Davis also showed his piano skills, accompanying himself on "Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat."
Riley Goodemote had just the right touch as the kindly Arvide Abernathy; Nelly Detra stole her scenes as the dice mobstress Big Jule; Colin Hinckley won the audience over with sincerity as Nathan Detroit; and Sean Fitzharris exuded dangerous charm as Sky Masterson.
The rest of the cast, which numbered 30 in all, did a fine job bringing this masterpiece of clever words by Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling and memorable melodies by Frank Loesser to life. It's a fun night with lots of laughs.
Performances continue tonight through Sunday, although the evening performances Friday and Saturday are sold out. Tonight's performance is at 7 p.m., and there are matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $13 for adults and $9 for students. Call the box office at 802-246-6398 or e-mail michelle@neyt.org.