Guys & Dolls
at Fairfax High School

Reviewed on May 6, 2017

Annie Parnell
George Mason High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

In the bustling streets of 1950s New York City, crapshooters and gangsters are on the prowl, searching for a spot to try their luck. Such is the setting for Guys and Dolls, performed with skill this weekend at Fairfax High School.

Originally based on the short stories of Damon Runyon, this classic has become a staple of American theater since its original 1950 Broadway run. At its beginning, when house runner Nathan Detroit realizes he is unable to front the security deposit for a spot for his group's next game of craps, he calls a wager with risky better Sky Masterson that he believes he's sure to win — that Sky will not be able to take Sarah Brown, a pious sergeant at the Save-A-Soul Mission, to dinner in Havana. However, the two men soon discover that when it comes to the "dolls" they love, the dice don't always roll the way they're expected.

Fairfax High School's students have created a worthy take on this beloved musical, crafting familiar material into a piece all their own while maintaining the story's classic elements. With creative staging and consistent New York accents, the cast and crew worked together to bring audiences back to the heyday of gamblers and molls.

Hayden Giles demonstrated talent in physical characterization as "good old reliable" Nathan, crafting a charming dynamic with Miss Adelaide (Emily Dillard), his dancer fiancée of fourteen years, in "Sue Me." Dillard herself showed comedic and vocal strength in numbers "A Bushel and a Peck" and "Adelaide's Lament." As Sky Masterson, Zion Jang radiated velvety vocals and creative chops, as did his strong-willed counterpart Sarah (Tori Garcia). The unlikely couple displayed winning chemistry in duets "I'll Know" and "I've Never Been In Love Before."

Densmore Bartly performed with sprightly energy as Nicely-Nicely Johnson, showing off his skills in "Sit Down, You're Rockin' The Boat." In dance numbers like "Havana" and "The Crapshooters' Dance," the ensemble captured the zeal and zest that can only be found on New York and Havana's streets.

Detailed set elements and special effects, such as sewer pipes featuring actual running water and the incorporation of a playground slide, brought the show's swinging urban setting to life. The use of the front of the house as the VIP section of Miss Adelaide's own Hot Box Club created a three-dimensional staging concept that placed audiences in the heart of the story.

In short, Fairfax High School's Guys and Dolls was a joyful revisit of a time-honored classic, incorporating traditional elements with original twists to prove that despite all odds, sometimes luck really can be a lady.

Alec Reusch
George Mason High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

Musical theater is a growing, evolving art form that can defy expectations and push the envelope in a lot of ways. But sometimes it's better to just go back to the basics and enjoy a good old fashioned 50's musical. On May 6th, Fairfax High School performed Guys and Dolls, a beloved classic by anyone's standards.

Guys and Dolls, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, premiered on Broadway in 1950 and won the Tony Award for best musical. The plot follows a group of gamblers in New York City as their leader, Nathan Detroit, tries to find a place for a craps game. To get enough money to do so, he bets the high-stakes gambler Sky Masterson that he can't get Sarah Brown, the Christian mission girl, to go on a date with him. As their relationship develops, so too does that of Detroit and his long time fiancée, Adelaide.

Fairfax High School's production hit all the right notes when it came to staging this feel-good show. Each of the four principal actors had ample skill and charm, and they were supported by a solid cast of singing and dancing gamblers and chorus girls. In short, this show was everything Guys and Dolls should be.

This musical is worth seeing just for the quartet of likable characters. Playing Detroit and Adelaide were Hayden Giles and Emily Dillard, respectively. Giles had the old timey New York accent down to a T, and Dillard's mannerisms and facial expressions could always be counted on to win a laugh. Beyond their individual performances, the couple played off each other incredibly well, with the funniest moments coming in their scenes together. Alongside them were the unlikely pair consisting of Sky Masterson and Sarah Brown, played by Zion Jang and Tori Garcia. These two had a genuine chemistry (as Masterson would put it) as well as smooth vocals. Garcia flaunted her musical prowess and range in the duet "I'll Know," while Jang showed off his pipes in the showstopping number "Luck Be a Lady." There was no weakest link when it came to these four leads.

Despite the prominence of the two main couples, there were many other memorable characters throughout the show, thanks to a competent ensemble of performers. For example, Densmore Bartly played Nicely-Nicely Johnson, one of the gamblers. Bartly, like other ensemble members, went beyond the words in the script to put his own spin on the character. He also had everyone's toes tapping in the 11 o'clock number "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat."

The set consisted of periaktoids (rotating triangular pieces) which were spun to put the scene in either a New York street, Havana, or the sewers. There was also a second, higher level in front of a backlit skyline. Intricate details like running water or a slide for entering the sewer scene made the set a delight to look at. The costumes were not only pretty, but practical, as Adelaide and her dancers tore off articles of clothing in their numbers.

When you just want to sit back and enjoy a classic musical comedy with a happy ending, Fairfax High School has you covered. Thanks to talented leads, a committed ensemble, and strong technical elements, this production of Guys and Dolls sparkled in all of its crowd-pleasing glory.

Katherine Byrnes
Connelly School of the Holy Child
Submitted for publication to Red Apple 21 - FCPS

Fairfax High School's Production of Guys and Dolls went "A Bushel and Peck" beyond the audience's expectations, staging an impressive performance filled with humor, intrigue, and love!

This musical, by Frank Loesser and based on Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows' book, first enthralled audiences on Broadway in 1950. It was performed there 1200 times, won a Tony Award for Best Musical, and has since been revived on Broadway, in London, and on film. Guys and Dolls follows the stories of two gamblers, Nathan Detroit and Sky Masterson. Nathan Detroit, in need of money to host a crapshoot game, places a bet with Sky Masterson that Sky can't get an uptight mission woman, Sarah Brown, to go to Cuba with him. This bet dramatically changes Sky and Nathan's romantic lives and causes a few complications.

Though some scenes seemed slightly slow-paced musically, the ensemble exhibited high energy and kept the show moving. Actors with roles of various sizes showed character development and maintained specific mannerisms unique to their characters throughout the musical. The ensemble of gamblers engaged the audience with their comedic timing and animation, especially in the song "Luck Be a Lady." Similarly, the female ensemble of Hot-Box Girls entranced the audience with their exciting musical numbers, including "A Bushel and a Peck" and "Take Back Your Mink." Both groups danced complicated choreography in perfect sync, especially in the dance and fight scene "Havana."

Hayden Giles embraced his role of the devious yet lovable Nathan Detroit with extremely fitting facial expressions, strong vocals, and skilled line delivery. He entertained the audience with his gambling schemes, while charming them in the scenes with his flamboyant fiancé Adelaide, played by Emily Dillard. Dillard dazzled the audience with her triple threat acting, singing, and dancing skills and enormous stage presence. Dillard and Giles displayed excellent "Chemistry!" and comedic timing while also expressing serious emotions throughout the show and in "Sue Me." Zion Jang played Sky Masterson professionally, exuding Sky's bold persona and changing from a man concerned with himself into a man deeply in love. Jang's vocals were strong and emotive in "Luck Be a Lady" and the songs with his love interest, Sarah Brown. Tori Garcia performed as Sarah using excellent singing technique and demonstrating notable character development from an uptight, close-minded woman into someone able to enjoy life and love without compromising her beliefs. In Sarah and Sky's song "I've Never Been in Love Before," Garcia and Jang's voices paired harmoniously.

The show's set was creative, complex, and effective, with some pieces decorated more thoroughly than others. The New York storefronts were brick, contrasting the blue, yellow, pink, and periwinkle Havana buildings. The set for the sewer crapshoot game was innovative, utilizing running water, a neon color scheme, and a slide entrance. The show's props thoroughly complemented each scene and suited the time period. Scene changes were efficient and seamless, even when large set pieces were moved. Intricate costumes, including multiple outfits for most characters and coordinating tear-away pieces for the Hot-Box Girls contributed to the show's professionalism and aesthetic.

Fairfax High School didn't need to hope "Luck Be a Lady" on Saturday night, because the cast and crew's immense talent, preparation, and creativity made the success of Guys and Dolls no gamble!

Bridgette Kontner
St. Andrew's Episcopal School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

Can you really save your soul on a bet? "Guys and Dolls" proves that good things really can, in fact, come from gambling! The classic 1950 musical with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows was fabulously displayed on the stage of Fairfax High School.

The energy level was simply unparalleled onstage; this enthusiasm and vivaciousness culminated in every dance, musical number, and scene. The audience was fully engrossed in the on stage action, especially in songs like "Guys and Dolls", "Havana", "Luck Be A Lady", and "Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat".

Though what was even more impressive than the lively ensemble were the extremely strong leads. The story follows crap-shooting organizer Nathan Detriot (Hayden Giles) and his struggle to run the crap game while dodging getting married to his fiancé of 14 years, Miss Adelaide (Emily Dillard), the spritely Hot-Box dancer. Both Giles and Dillard showed incredible chemistry in all of their exchanges, especially in songs like "Sue Me".

However, an even more captivating story emerges when Nathan Detroit bets renowned gambler Sky Masterson (Zion Jang) that he cannot win over the heart of the passionate missionary, Sarah Brown (Tori Garcia), who is determined to convert the sinners of New York City. Masterson, refusing to lose a bet, ends up betting Sister Sarah that he'll fill her failing mission with sinners if she agrees to go out to dinner with him; this is the start of a wild ride that results in two polar opposites falling in love. Jang and Garcia were simply perfect. Their characters complemented one another just as their harmonies fell flawlessly together in every song. "If I Were A Bell" showcased Sister Sarah's amazing vocal versatility as well as charming acting -- as she had one too many Dulce de Leches in Cuba, where she agrees to have dinner with Masterson. Masterson, played by Zion Jang, had an equally phenomenal talking voice as singing voice, as was displayed throughout the show. Jang's shining moment, however, came in "Luck Be a Lady", where his vocals soared and he was accompanied by the other crap-shooters perfectly in sync.

The aforementioned superb level of choreography could be seen in every song. Especially in the scene in Havana, Cuba, it was especially captivating how the whimsical dancing movements transformed into a full-on brawl as an intoxicated Sarah hilarious made a scene.

Moreover, perfectly framing these exchanges was the incredible and versatile set. Moving the panels to show the city, the mission, and then Havana, Cuba, the set was perfectly detailed by not at all distracting. The most impressive scene, however, was the sewer, where real pipes were dripping from the set pieces. Coupled with the lights, the set created an incredibly real experience for the audience, perfectly complementing the on-stage action.

The unlikely romance of Sky and Sarah; the silly and entertaining trio of Nicely-Nicely Johnson, Benny Southstreet, and Rusty Charlie; the flirty Hot-Box dancers; the grundy crap-shooters; and the ensemble as a whole together created an unforgettable show at Fairfax. They proved that they did not need luck to be lady for them to dazzle the audience!

Justine Verheul
Connelly School of the Holy Child
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

Roll the dice and come see Fairfax High School's production of "Guys & Dolls". Entering the school, audience members are immediately drawn into the world of gambling, dolls, and 50's charm with a various display of décor to set the mood for the show. This production of Guys & Dolls was an exciting and realistic telling of the classic musical with a remarkable cast, impressive choreography, beautiful costumes, and intricate set. Its usage of lighting, and sound effects added to the show as it created a steady pace, keeping the audience involved. This show begins with a very impressive set. Using 3 triangular rotating pieces, they created the street corner of New York, the cuban city of Havana, and the industrial sewer. Each of these three settings were very detailed and realistic, which allowed viewers to dive into the story because their setting brought the show to life.

The acting in this show stood out because of its convincing nature. Actor, Zion Jang, playing Sky Masterson, had a mature and classy way about his role. He impressed the audience with his emotional range, going from a strict and well-respected gambler, to a man in love with the local missionary girl. In Addition, Nathan Detroit, portrayed by Hayden Giles, showed commitment to his character and his relationships towards other characters as he convincingly demonstrated Nathan Detroit's vulnerability towards other characters, as well as Nathan's own strength as an individual.
The one performer who stood out during this production was Emily Dillard, who played Miss Adelaide. A true triple threat. She sang beautifully with emotional conviction, she enthused the audience during her dance numbers, but most of all, she captivated the crowd with her acting. She portrayed a ray of emotion, while allowing the audience to burst with laughter due to her impeccable comedic timing.

This show had two very strong vocalists. Playing Sarah Brown, Tori Garcia sang beautifully with heartfelt passion. She never missed a note, and had excellent dynamics. Her partner-in-crime, Sky Masterson, sang wonderfully and had a very mature sound. He sang "Luck be a Lady" which was the best musical number due to his energy and vocal ability.

An impressive element that this show possessed was the intricate and highly entertaining choreography. Every scene had different ideas and elements in their dance moves, and the dancers were always in sync. This show was choreographed by students Sophia Poteet and Michael Sulpizio. They danced in this show as Rusty Charlie and Kiki, and had incredible stage presence. Both of them sustained amazing energy and connection with the audience through their dancing.

Talent just burst through the stage with every performer that was on it. The ensemble was dedicated to their specific story line, even if they had minimal lines. The energy never died, and that helped the story progress. In Conclusion, Fairfax High School's interpretation of Guys and Dolls was amusing, entertaining, and you can bet on your life it will keep you at the edge of your seat.

Kevin McNerney
Bishop Ireton High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

The curtain opens and the streets of New York burst to life with entire subplots taking place before the end of the overture in Fairfax High School's production of Guys and Dolls.

Written by Frank Loesser, Guys and Dolls is a classic American musical that tells the story of Nathan Detroit and his passion for gambling. He crosses paths with Sky Masterson and they both end up facing the hard truth that love is more important to them than gambling. They both end up marrying their respective "dolls" and turn away from gambling and toward God.

A phenomenal ensemble held this show together. In big group numbers like "A Bushel and a Peck" and "Luck Be a Lady," the energy was consistently strong and the dances were precise and well coordinated. The entire ensemble had purpose and was fun to watch onstage. There was never a dull moment.

Zion Jang (Sky Masterson) completely embodied the self-assured, almost cocky Masterson. His confident air and commanding stage-presence made him the immediate focus for the audience. Exuding charisma and charm, Jang performed valiantly in his lead role. With sharp movements and exact timing, Emily Dillard (Miss Adelaide) captured the character of Adelaide. Through over-the-top acting and voice, Dillard commanded the attention of the audience.

Hayden Giles (Nathan Detroit) displayed a wide range of emotions and impeccable comedic timing to bring the character of Nathan to life. Tori Garcia's (Sarah Brown) pure soprano earned her thunderous applause after numbers like "I'll Know" and "I've Never Been in Love Before." Although occasionally accents made it hard to hear or understand certain lines, the accents maintained by a good portion of the cast remained consistent, and could be seen to have added to the New York atmosphere. Because of his endearing personality and energetic movements, Densmore Bartly (Nicely-Nicely Johnson) became an audience favorite.

With seamless transitions between scenes, the crew was able to maintain the pace of the show, while also drastically changing the setting. An efficient running crew made these quick, smooth transitions possible. The set design was an impressive two-story model, which was on wheels to allow for quick and easy transitions that never detracted from the performance itself. The complex choreography that was executed throughout the performance was likewise impressive. Dance Captains (Sophia Poteet and Michael Sulpizio) did a commendable job choreographing large group numbers that were impressively executed.

Fairfax High School took a challenging musical and gave a spectacular performance that was full of energy and life.

Christine Padilla
Bishop Ireton High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

Great waves of energy in song and dance kept the audience on their feet in Fairfax High School's rendition of Guys and Dolls. First preformed on Broadway in 1950, the show comes with tremendous previous renditions and revivals, but Fairfax High School definitely put themselves in the books as an original, energetic performance of Guys and Dolls.

The musical which takes place in New York surrounds the story of gamblers and their "dolls" emphasizing the tumultuous relationship between Nathan and Adelaide and the unexpected relationship between Sky and Sarah. Helping create the energetic and even chaotic environment of the gambling world, the ensemble preformed each musical number without a hitch, almost always in perfect unison with each other and showing great physicality. Every fling of the legs and every movement of the arms was done with grace and energy. Every punch in the fight scenes seemed incredibly realistic, all thanks to the brilliant choreography that proved time and time again after every single number to be extremely impressive. The ensemble was very active throughout the entire show, something usually very difficult to do.

While slow to pick up at first, the actors showed very good chemistry on stage and everything started to pick up after the first number. Nathan played by Hayden Giles proved he had excellent comedic timing, always making the audience laugh about something. Not only that, but he had great chemistry with his fiancé, Adelaide who was always seeking attention from him. The unexpected relationship that formed between Sky and Sarah seemed destined to be as soon as the audience saw the two actors together. Zion Jang's deep voice was paired very well with Tori Garcia's voice that could hit every single high note thrown at her. The two made their vocal performances seem very simple, demonstrating great talent.

Completing the talents of all the actors and actresses, was the amazing set. Versatile and fitting, the four revolving set pieces proved to be perfect for each scene while also being very aesthically pleasing. In addition to the set pieces, the creative and detailed lighting choices such as illuminating the mission logo while the set was transitioning into the the mission space immediately indicated to the audience where the next scene would take place. The Costumes also demonstrated the great amount of talent in Fairfax High School's theatre. With a number of tear away pieces, everything handmade, the actors and actresses were able to get into their characters and create a realistic setting.

Overall, Fairfax High School showed great talent in their performance of Guys and Dolls. With great energy and physicality, students put on a great show that the audience responded to very well.