Main story: Young actors perform old-fashioned fun in ‘Guys & Dolls’

Little Theatre’s show opens March 17, runs two weekends

From left, cast members Aimee Mojica, Brooklyn Owen, Saidee Avila, Sydney Hoiberg, Brielle Johnson, and Dara Hargreaves. Photo courtesy Portraits by Rebecca

By Marty Cheek

South Valley audiences will take a journey through the vibrant streets of 1950s New York City, as a showcase of youthful talent presents a junior version of the Broadway classic “Guys & Dolls.”

Little Theatre Production’s latest show opens March 17 and runs two weekends until March 26 at Gilroy High School’s theater. This family-friendly adaptation of the beloved musical comedy is performed by a cast of 69 children and teens ages 6 to 17. They bring to life the charming gamblers and spunky ladies who entertain with catchy tunes and captivating dance numbers.

Photo courtesy Portraits by Rebecca

This heartwarming and hilarious tale of the seedy side of the Big Apple is based on short stories by Damon Runyon. It’s guaranteed to have audiences humming and tapping their toes long after the final curtain call, said Hilary Little, production manager and vocal director.

“It’s that classic Broadway story of boy meets girl, girl hates boy, boy works his charm on her and eventually she ends up falling for him,” she said. “There’s miscommunication and a couple of hijinks that go on.”

The story is full of old-fashioned fun involving a gambling bet that weaves laugh-out-loud romantic interests to counteract the traditional love interests as well, she said.

Photo courtesy Portraits by Rebecca

“Comedically, there’s a little something for everyone,” she said. “The gamblers are fun. The Hotbox girls are fun. There are so many great parts. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing the biggest  part or the smallest part, they’re all such a kick in the pants.”

This is Little Theatre’s 11th show done in partnership with the city of Gilroy through the recreation department.

Saidee Avila plays “Adelaide.” She started her journey with Little Theatre almost seven years ago and truly found her love for the arts. Since then she’s been involved with other theater companies across the Bay Area and have been in 19 productions.

“I have loved getting to transform myself into the fun and comedic role of ‘Miss Adelaide’ because it is not a typical role I would go for- that’s the beauty of theater,” she said. “I encourage everyone to come watch this show, as it may inspire you to try something new.”

Hailey Woodford plays the puritanical Sarah Brown. Being a part of this production has been an enjoyable experience for her where she’s made special friends during the rehearsals.

“I’ve enjoyed making memories and bonding with my castmates throughout these past few months,” she said.  “‘Guys and Dolls’ is the perfect combination of a fun, entertaining, and sweet production.”

Playing “Nathan Detroit,” Joseph King said he’s had a lot of pleasure working on the show and developing his eccentric character.

“Out of my 13 shows this is one that I’ve been having a lot of fun with,” he said. “It’s been amazing making new friends and working with many new and familiar people. We’ve all been hard at work to put on a show that we all think you’ll enjoy.”

Photo courtesy Portraits by Rebecca

Kurt Schlageter plays the gambler Sky Masterson and calls his experience working on the show “excellent.”

“It has met my personal expectations, beyond words,” he said. “I believe that everyone involved in this production has taken the time to coach and prepare us for this amazing show.”

One of the best ways the Gilroy community can support children’s theater is by coming to see the show and promoting the performers efforts, and thus strengthen live theater as well as encouraging new talent to keep up with the beauty of art and play, he said.

Several high school students who have been in previous Little Theatre products are in the “Guys & Dolls” cast, providing inspiration to the show’s elementary age performers.

“The maturity of those actors elevates things to a couple of notches,” Little said. “It gives the younger actors the opportunity to go, ‘Wow! Look at what they can do. Look at what I can do when I’m their age.’”

Audiences will be mesmerized by the quality of the singing, dancing and jokes as well as the colorful costumes and elaborate sets.

“It’s so colorful. Everyone’s costumes has polka dots or stripes – bright purples and canary yellows and lime green,” Little said. “It’s just a feast for the eyes. And with the music it’s a feast for the ears.”

Although the “full” version of “Guy & Dolls” as originally written has several scenes that might be considered risqué for young audience members, this junior version has edited dialogue and scenes that are more appropriate for kids while still keeping the quaint 1950s humor, Little said.

“It’s a wholesome show. It’s an upbeat show,” she said. “We need comedy in our lives. We need music in my life and this has got that in spades. You’re going to be tapping your foot in the audience.

The “Guys & Dolls” cast:

Adam Hart

Addison Perez

Aidan Alvarez

Aimee Mojica

Amari Johl

Annabella Basso

Ariana Diaz

Aris Parson

Ashlynn Pershing

Audrey Corpron

Avery Stites

Azalea Rodgers

Bowen Brinan

Brielle Johnson

Brooklyn Owen

Cadence Fortino

Clayton Bortolussi

Coraline Christian

Dahlia Bell

Dara Hargreaves

Dasia Atoh

Elijah Lopez

Ellianna Lopez

Emerson Orlando

Emily Rempel

Emma Stebbins

Emmie Hernandez

Ezrah Cortez

Grace Rogers

Graham Bortolussi

Hailey Woodford

Hallie Atoh

Jack-Austin Gamino

Joseph King

Joselynn Klamo

Juan Carlos Flores

Jude Lee

Julia Klamo

Kaden Lopez

Kaileya De La Serna

Keana Garcia

Kendall Prophet

Kurt Schlageter

Layla Terrones

Lizzy Call

Lyla Harper

Lyra Brinton

Maisie Maiorino

Makena Krepick

Makenzie Bough

Matthew Horta

Maya Diaz

Mila Mitchell

Milena McNamara

Molly Brinan

Molly Rempel

Olivia Stebbins

Paul David Yoshikawa

Penny Saul

Raymond Stanford

Ruby Bell

Saidee Avila

Savanna Torres

Sofia Longoria

Sydney Hoiberg

Tyler Krepick

Vince Gamino

Vivienne Cox