Guys and Dolls
Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser
Lilydale High School
August 29th – 31st 2013
Lilydale High School has a range of possibilities for students to be involved in performance. Several of the lead performers in this production are studying drama, have been in other school musicals or have been involved in community youth theatre and it shows. They addressed the challenges of performance with confidence and using their strengths in characterisation and timing created a vibrant, entertaining show. They all deserve congratulations.
The music is vocally challenging, and on the whole, the cast delivered treat after treat. Some students would have benefited by rearrangement of the most difficult of the music to enable them to sing within their registers, but all lead performers committed to their performance.
The choreography and staging were a real strength of the show. During the opening the chorus showed excellent discipline with a perfect freeze, something not easy to achieve when there are sixty people on stage. 'Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat' and ‘Sue Me’ also featured excellent singing, dancing and staging and were highlights.
The backstage crew managed complicated changes quietly and efficiently. Lighting was effective and added to the performance without drawing attention. The orchestra supported the actors and covered the scene changes.
The teachers and leaders who created this opportunity for the students to excel and supported them to make an entertaining show for the rest of us to enjoy should be congratulated.
Ruth Richter
