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The Schreiber Theater Company looks back on another amazing performance weekend of the musical Guys and Dolls. The story is set during the early 1900’s in Manhattan, New York, just as the Great Depression is coming to an end. So many people were scared and unsure of what was to come, but there was one thing that always brought them joy, music! People would sing and dance in their apartments or on the streets, helping them get through a time when everyone was struggling.
The show had two overlapping plots, one about a fancy, wealthy guy named Sky Masterson, played by junior Charlie Paredes, who falls madly in love with a missionary worker named Sarah Brown, played by senior Myla Tannenbaum. At the same time, we witness the love story of gambler Nathan Detroit, played by senior Julian Kimball, and a hot-box dancer named Miss Adelaide, played by senior Sadie Feingold. The musical had everything, singing, dancing, jokes, and a little bit of gambling (not to spoil the whole show!)
The musical had some great songs that really got the audience excited, like “Luck Be A Lady,” “A Bushel and a Peck,” and “Take Back Your Mink.” There were many jokes thrown throughout the musical as well, adding a little humor to the show. It was a wonderful performance that brought many smiles to peoples faces.
“I loved working on the stage crew for Guys and Dolls. Although I am sad that many of the incredible seniors are leaving, this was a fabulous last show for them. The actors were stunning on stage and the crew worked so hard to make sure that this show was as good as it could be, and it certainly was,” said sophomore Michael Isserles, a member of the stage crew for the production.
It was also a very sentimental weekend for retiring Orchestra teacher, Mr. Anthony Pinelli. Mr. Pinelli has been teaching for 35 years and this weekend was his last time conducting the talented Pit Orchestra. This show meant so much to him, especially because Guys and Dolls was the first musical he conducted when he was a first year teacher. There were even students who emailed him, from his first show, wishing him good luck and many thanks for all he has done for all of his students throughout the years. Amazing how everything can just come full circle! The students and faculty of the Schreiber Theater Company made a special gift for his final year here at Schreiber, a picture frame of all the musicals he has conducted over the years, signed with all the names of the cast, crew, and pit of this production.
“I am so grateful I have had the opportunity to conduct and perform with all of you over the years, and I know how hard it is going to be to leave such a wholesome and welcoming place. I am so proud and honored to work with you all, and I will miss this place very much,” said Mr. Pinelli, as he thanked everyone for their love and support to him, with a few tears in his eyes.
The cast, crew, and pit were working non-stop the past few months to make this production come together, and it definitely showed! On the last show, they received a standing ovation, which brought some of the actors and actresses to tears. This production meant so much to everyone, and it was shown throughout tech week and the performances.
“I’m not sure what else I can say besides that Guys and Dolls was a great show. A lot of people in the community seemed to really enjoy it and STC enjoyed putting it on,” said senior Myla Tannenbaum, who played Sarah Brown in the production. This show was especially memorable to her, since it was her last time performing on stage.
I had the opportunity to be a part of the hair and makeup team for the stage crew for the first time, along with helping with costumes, props, and run crew, so I was able to not only be backstage to help the performers get ready, but also be in the audience to cheer on my friends. I was so impressed by how hardworking the cast and crew members were, ready to help each other out at any given moment. A huge shout out to everyone!
This show was more than just the usual, singing and dancing musical, it was a show for students to get out of their comfort zones and be themselves. Many seniors revealed in their senior speeches on the last night of performances how theater really inspired them to get more involved with the arts, to learn a new instrument, take a dance class, and meet new people. I witnessed friendships being made just in one weekend, and I am so excited to see what is in store for the Schreiber Theater Company next! And don’t forget to check out Port Summer Show’s performance this august, as many of our graduating seniors and many other Schreiber students will be putting on a performance at the end of the summer, and it’s going to be great!
