“Guys and Dolls” holds a special place in David Roth’s heart.
The Broadway classic was the very first show he staged at Staples High School, after being named Players director in 2000.
Nine years later, when he revived the show, his and co-director Kerry Long’s daughter was born on opening night — just 17 minutes after the curtain rose.
“Guys and Dolls” holds a special place for other Players directors too. It debuted in 1973; was reprised in 1983 (as a summer show), 1985 nd again in 1993.
When the curtain rises on November 11, the seventh production will make it the most popular in Staples Players history.
“Oldest Established” with the Gangster Ensemble. (Photo/Kerry Long)
“It’s such a great show!” Roth notes. “It’s got wonderful characters and great dancing. It’s funny. It’s been called ‘the best musical ever written.’ Audiences love it, and kids love working on it.”
“Guys and Dolls” is as perfect for Roth today as it was when he took Players’ reins 22 years ago. Back then he wanted to build 2 strong bases: actors and audiences.
Now — after COVID — he’s rebuilding both.
Though Roth and Long have directed “Guys and Dolls” twice before, this is an entirely new show. The set designer, technical director, choreographer and musical director are all new.
Roth says the set “is not to be believed.” Designed by Jordan Janota, and overseen by tech director Jeff Hauser, it features vintage light-up signs.
“Rockin’ the Boat” — on the great “Guys and Dolls” set. (Photo/Kerry Long)
Of course — this being high school — the cast is entirely new too. “New actors always make roles their own,” Roth explains.
The teenagers — born more than half a century after the show debuted, and not yet alive the first time Roth directed it — knew of the show, he says. But most had never seen it.
“They’ve been excited since the beginning,” he adds. “They’ve embraced these bigger-than-life characters.
“And Kerry and I are excited to expose them — and younger audiences — to a classic show like this.’
Fugue for Tinhorns with Jayden Saenz, Finley Chevrier and Sebastian Gikas
“Guys and Dolls” is 72 years old, but it always seems fresh and new. It was revived this month at Washington’s Kennedy Center, and will run next year in London.
It’s been produced 4 times on Broadway.
Seems like the Great White Way has a bit of catching up to do with Staples Players.
(“Guys and Dolls” will be performed on Friday and Saturday, November 11, 12, 18 and 19, at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on November 12, 13 and 19 at 3 p.m. Click here for tickets, and more information.)
ENCORE! Choreographer Rachel MacIsaac is about to deliver her second child. What are the odds that — like Lucy Roth — it too will be born on opening night?
(“06880” is almost as entertaining as Staples Players. Please click here to help support this blog.)
Sarah Brown (played by Madelyn Spera) and Sky Masterson (James Dobin-Smith). (Photo/Kerry Long)
Can’t wait to see this show!
Kudos to David and Kerry, who have made their mark on what has always been a fantastic theater program at Staples. The Westport community is very lucky to have you at the helm.
To David & Kerry & The Staples Players,
Going back to the days of Al Pia, George Weigle and ALL that have followed, this 1970 graduate of Staples High School is so PROUD of the work and the tradition of excellence that the music & drama departments & “The Players” has provided to the Westport community and beyond. The dedication of All is amazingly outstanding and will forever be cherished.
Thank you for All you do for your students, the staff and Staples High School. “Break A Leg” next week!!
Tom Wall
And Frank Leosser, “Guys and Dolls” creator, was my godfather. He and dad went to school together in NYC and took piano lessons from the same teacher, Otto Van Dernhoff, a rather well-known teacher back in the day.
The Guys & Dolls of the 1985/86 school year included among it’s principal players at least 2 who went on to become Connecticut music/drama department teachers. One of them was Coleytown’s Ben Frimmer (I can still picture him in the opening number, singing “can do! can do!”). I think there is a photograph from that production in the Auditorium lobby.
Really wish I could see this show. Good luck everyone! I know it’ll be SPECTACULAR, as always!
I saw the 1973 production with my parents and sisters when I was an 11 year old 5th grader at Burr Farms Elementary School. I was transfixed! It could have been Broadway, plus watching my friends’ older sisters and brothers on stage was spellbinding (that’s you Jackie Pinyan). If they could participate in such a production then so could I when I got to Staples. And I did, as a trumpet player in the pit band (with my stand partner Marc Selverstone). Great times! Thank you Staples Players for continuing the magic. I cant wait to see your 2022 production with my parents and sisters next week!