Guys and Dolls
at La Habra

Reviewed on November 12, 2016

Olivia Wolff
Capistrano Valley High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

The ‘boat is rocked' at La Habra High School


Flashes of color with an abundance of suits and hats burst onto the stage with thrilling dance numbers and captivating singers. La Habra's production of "Guys and Dolls" follows the classic tale of two unlikely people falling in love in New York City.


The story focuses on two very different lovers, Sky Masterson and Sarah Brown, played by Zach Fogel and Isabella Wouters, respectively. With his jazzy voice and strong stance, Fogel demonstrates ambition and clout, shoulders back and head up high, proving to be the renounced gambler he is. Wouters manages to capture the stature of a missionary, using a firm voice and quick movements. In the duet, "I've Never Been In Love Before," both Fogel and Wouters show their vocal ability, while also proving their connection by becoming much more loose, smiles erupting on both faces.


While one romance begins, another one of 14 years holds on by a thread. Ron Gutterman is Nathan Detroit, the sly, yet lovable gambler who is engaged to Adelaide, played by Justine Sombilon. Gutterman and Sombilon provide as more as a comedic relief, especially in "Sue Me," where Gutterman's desperate attempts to win back the whiney, outlandish Sombilon fails.


The male ensemble, otherwise known as the Crapshooters, enhance the show a great amount, showing their cohesion and togetherness in multiple song and dance numbers. Constantly using their hats as an extension of themselves, the Crapshooters each have their own characters, while still remaining united as a group, especially in the break-out dance number, "The Crapshooter's Dance."


Seeing as the show takes place in the 1930's, hair and makeup, done by members of the LHHS Student Backstage Crew, beatifically captures the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps. From Adelaide's playful, faux bob to Sarah Brown's tight, braided updo, the LHHS Crew, manages to show the contrast of the hot box dancers to the missionaries.


With seamless transitions, the LHHS Theater Guild Crew successfully manage to change the scene, without drawing any attention to themselves. Silent and quick, the crew sets the next scene up before the previous scene is even over, allowing the show to run continuously and fluidly.


La Habra's production of "Guys and Dolls" succeeds in exhibiting love in the big city, all the while occupying the stage with invigorating dance numbers and canorous songs that fill the room.

Kayla Haugen
Fullerton Union High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

La Habra's ‘Guys and Dolls' is worth gambling for.

Showgirls and gamblers take the stage in La Habra High School's "Guys and Dolls" performed at Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton. Focusing on the lives of two very different women in 1930's New York City, this musical is fast-paced and enthralling.

Adelaide (played by Justine Sombilon) epitomizes the characteristics of a "doll" (common in this era) through her flashy and strong vocals but dainty presence. Her superficial attributes create perspective as she becomes more invested in the future of her 14 year engagement. Sombilon establishes a mature persona with drive and passion to see her character succeed while maintaining the petite femininity which is Adelaide's trademark.


Sky Masterson (played by Zach Fogel) mixes charm with powerful vocals to bring life to this well-known crapshooter. His jazzy voice, as showcased in "Luck Be a Lady" in the sewer scene, expands his charming and endearing performance. Fogel leads the ensemble efficiently and shares many strong moments with the other actors.


Sarah Brown (played by Isabella Wouters) embodies the modesty and hesitancy of religious women in the 1930's. Her interactions and developing relationship with Sky Masterson allow her to shift from this state of innocence and reservation to that of an unrestricted young woman. The natural connection between Fogel and Wouters supports the effect of Sky's charm on Sarah. Wouters acknowledges this shift in her vocals as well; although she begins the show with a consistent tone, we see a change in vocal quality during "Marry the Man Today" when she explores other areas of her range and sounds more lively.


The hair and makeup design (designed by the students of the LH Theater Guild) creates a noticeable contrast between different groups of characters in the show. Adelaide, one of the Hot Box Girls, has a short and curly hairstyle which alludes to her playful personality while Sarah, one of the sisters, mostly wears her hair up and back, suggesting that she is a more conservative woman. Additionally, the Hot Box Girls are commonly seen wearing a great amount of rouge while the sisters' makeup design establishes a much blander and more neutral look. This subtle contrast sets up the drastic contrast between Adelaide and Sarah throughout the entire show.


The student technical designs paired with the acting create a strong explanation of the importance of the social cooperation between a guy and his doll.

Elizabeth Gimple
Fullerton Union High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook Page

Guys and Dolls is Worth the Bet


With dice and some luck, the cast and crew of La Habra's Guys and Dolls journeys back in time to the 1930's, betting on their talent and accomplishments.

Sky Masterson, played by Zach Fogel, slides around the stage, creating a slick character and fully embodying the idea of a gambler. Fogel adds a jazzier side in contrast with the accent of the other characters- like Sarah Brown's classical soprano side. He starts off as an underdeveloped and misunderstood boy who wants to have a little too much fun, but ends up a loving and matured man- a perfect fit from Fogel's portrayal.

Adelaide- Justine Sombilon- presents the stock character of the story and brings a new musical style of an alto mixed with a belter. She creates this "doll"- reiterating the idea of these men manipulating women. In her Lament, Sombilon portrays her character's struggle, total opposite of this doll-like figure she set her character up to be.

Sarah Brown, played by Isabella Wouters, goes from stiff and isolated to warm and heartfelt. When in the mission, meeting Sky, she develops this withdrawn persona, making one uncomfortable to such a closed off person. She, however, makes it apparent to slowly melt the frozen heart she started with.

Big Julie- Wyatt Logan- uses his deep voice and tall posture to build a gambler beast and intertwines it with a comedic side. The sarcasm and witty appeal make a perfect comedic relief to some serious situations. His accent never falters, and in scenes like the mission when he confessing his story, he resents himself- in tone and physical demeanor- that eyes are drawn to his stature.

Hair and Makeup designer illustrates the 1930's: Adelaide's hair of a short, showgirl style contrasted Sarah's conservative up-do, sharing similar morals as characters. Every girl's styles showed exactly who their character is, even if they were not named, determining the Box trot Girls with wigs and the townspeople with a casual hairstyle.

La Habra's Theatre Guild brings laughter and luck to an extraordinary stage, ringing in the sound of claps even after the curtain closes.