A theatrical review

By Kim Mitchell
Contributing Writer

I had the pleasure of attending opening night of a classic musical, “Guys & Dolls,” at the Coon Rapids Performing Arts Center on Feb. 12. The play is based on a story and characters by Damon Runyon, music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. This production is a collaboration between the Theatre and Music Departments. Sam Bergstrom and Elizabeth Kuivinen directed the pit orchestra. Scott Ford directed this cast of former and current students.

A local, big-time gambler, Nathan Detroit (Brandon Osero) is under pressure to find a spot to host an illegal crap game. The hilarity ensues as he attempts to do this while hiding the fact from his longtime fiancé, Adelaide (Anne George) and the local constable, Lt. Brannigan (Robert Zalazar). Detroit bets smooth-talking, high-stakes gambler, Sky Masterson (Lio Garcia Cardenas) $1000 that he can’t take prude and local mission sergeant, Sarah Brown (Courtney VonVett) to Havana.

All the actors portrayed their characters superbly. There was real onstage chemistry between Cardenas and VonVett. I felt that the performers interacted well with one another. There was no awkwardness or stumbling. Lines were delivered smoothly, songs performed with gusto and the dance scenes were well-rehearsed.

There were a few notable performances that stand out. James Ehlenz (as Benny Southstreet) was a treat to watch. His facial expressions, as he portrayed his character, were hilarious and his dancing was reminiscent of Gene Kelly.

George (as Adelaide) was truly enjoyable. She delivered her lines with perfect accent and clarity, displayed comedic talent as she hit Detroit with various stage props and belted her songs out with a strong voice.

Jess Hernandez (as Nicely-Nicely Johnson) had good stage presence. His character portrayal was funny and his singing was excellent.

The set was made up of three tall, rotating panels on both sides of the stage that acted as the back-drop. The panels were rotated to effectively create a Broadway street, the interior of the Hotbox Nightclub and the interior of the Mission.

There were minimal stage props that were easily moved on and off stage with the actors as they exited or entered. Lighting was dimmed between scenes, allowing the performers to easily rotate the panels and move props, virtually unseen. The opening scene of chaotic street activity was enhanced by the use of these panels because performers could easily cross off stage and back without running into each other or the set. This was really clever.

Allyce Amidon, assistant costume designer, informed me that all of the costumes were rented with the exception of the Boxcar dresses. They were sewn. The costumes fit with the play. There was a pit orchestra and the music coordinated well with the stage performance. Ford stated that this was one of the challenges of this production.

This performance was thoroughly entertaining. It had everything: bigger-than-life characters, tongue-in-cheek humor and catchy tunes. I’m still singing “Bushel and a Peck,” and “Luck Be a Lady,” to myself while driving in my vehicle, alone of course!  I give this production five stars and two thumbs-up.

Ford said that this cast was unique because it included alumni. In celebration of its 50 year anniversary, Anoka-Ramsey Community College invited former students, via social media, press releases and emails, to return and audition for roles alongside current students. Of the 30 cast members, seven are alumni that attended ARCC as far back as 1970.

Ford chose this play because he had wanted to direct this play for a while and really liked the script. The music department was also interested.

“It was time to give it a go,” said Ford.

He also said that he was proud of the level of excellence to which the students had risen and that the audience should be impressed with the singing and dancing.

When asked if he had brought anything new to the story, Ford said, “When the play itself is good and the music is good – you don’t mess around with it.”

Osero, who is pursuing an Associate in Fine Arts degree, said that he loved that “Nathan Detroit is a big, goofy, old-style, vaudeville character but with moments of honesty.”

VonVett wanted to be involved in this production because she loves theatre and it had been her favorite musical for years. She played Sarah Brown in high school and wanted the opportunity to do it again. She also liked that she got to work with alumni. VonVett is a theatre major and involved in the Theatre Club.

Hernandez said that the biggest challenge of his role (Nicely-Nicely) was having to smile all the time. Hernandez is an aspiring opera singer.

George is a mother of three boys and a returning student. It’s been 12 years since she attended college. She never finished her degree. She is a science major and plans to attend medical school.

Cardenas (Sky Masterson) explained finding the truth of a character. He said that it meant figuring out how the character reacts and displays emotions. Cardenas recently separated from the Navy. He was a hospital corpsman. He is planning to transfer to District of Columbia for medical school.

Michelle Fancher receives honorable mention because she is the sound board operator. She was doing microphone checks when I attended the dress rehearsal. Her job was to ensure that everyone sounds good. She was the first one there and the last one to leave.