The Methacton Theatre Company will perform Guys and Dolls from Feb. 27-March 1. Set in the 1950s of Manhattan, New York, the musical compares the lives of a mission band and a crap-shooting gaggle of gamblers.
The cast and crew of more than 70 work behind the scenes and it front of a set complete with a cityscape backdrop, intricate props and dazzling costumes bound.
Student director Evie Sullivan gave a short overview of the production.
“The show is about two different couples [Sky Masterson/Sarah Brown and Miss. Adelaide/Nathan Detroit] who come from different walks of life–mission bands, gamblers, and hot box dolls–but in the end, they all come together to put on the great musical.”
Sullivan said that the most memorable part of rehearsal was the sitzprobe when the whole cast finally got to sing together with the complete pit.
Sullivan added that her favorite part of the show is the last scene in Act 1 because of its cartoon-esque feel, and that it highlights the amazing acting of Talia Smerecki who plays Sarah Brown and Will Groschopp as Sky Masterson.
A senior this year and her final production with the cast, Sullivan reflected on her time with this outfit.
“It feels weird to be a senior. It’s crazy that people I’ve done shows with since middle school won’t be beside me anymore. I see most of my cast members every day for hours, so it’s very bittersweet. I am excited to graduate but sad to say goodbye to something I’ve been a part of for four years.”
Groschopp talked about his final experience on the Methacton stage and playing a dream role.
“This has been the largest role since working with the company, and the most daunting. But I’ve had the same approach with all my roles, finding a certain casting to base my performance off of. This time I relied on Peter Gallagher in the 1992 cast.”
He added in his thoughts on the rehearsal process.
“I always enjoy our first full run through. After weeks of scene breakdowns and song reviews, it’s nice to bring it all together.”
Groschopp wants the audience to take away from the show that you can gamble on just about anything, as long as you’re willing to lose.
Another lead, Leah Thress, who plays Miss. Adelaide, the head Hot Box Doll shared her thoughts as a junior in this show.
“The rehearsals have been super long but totally worth it.”
Thress’s favorite scene is before the song “Marry the Man Toda,” a beautiful number with Smerecki. She shares that she has made so many new friends and connections throughout the whole process, adding that she’s had a great time doing it.
Each show begins at 7 p.m. in the MHS auditorium. Tickets are $7 for students and seniors and $15 for adults. They can be found on Hometown Ticketing or in the Methacton Theatre Company’s Instagram bio.
