The Timber Creek Thespians Proudly Put On Their Rendition of Guys and Dolls Jr.
By Paris Evans
With the last Saturday of January comes the final performance in the Timber Creek Thespians’ run of Guys and Dolls Jr. This family-friendly show about gambling, love, and change is full of energy and charm. Though it’s the second show of this year’s season, it’s the first musical since last year’s production of Sweeney Todd. Even still, this cast proved they’re no strangers to the stage. “It was really fun and the jokes were hitting,” says Jaila Warren, a junior who attended Friday’s performance. “The acting was great and the singing sounding like a recording!” Mars Michele, a freshman who also attended Friday’s show, exclaimed after their viewing. These quotes came only moments after a roaring round of applause at curtain call was given by an audience who clearly shared in the sentiments.
These praises, of course, being well-earned by the hard-working cast and crew. Finn Breault, a sophomore with two different roles in the show, recounts the long road of rehearsals, “We actually started working, probably September, October. Then after Winter Break we start doing after-school rehearsals.” A statement, senior and fellow crew member, Ashton Gonzales could testify to. “Right after Winter Break we were staying ‘till six, last week we stayed ‘till eight, and this week we’re here ‘till ten,” Gonzales. All this time, according to Breault, was not only spent rehearsing what’s on the stage but working on what goes on behind it. “There are, like, three or four ‘Tech Days’ where we, parts of the cast, will be in groups and come in on Saturday and help build, help paint, and do a bunch of costume stuff. The works,” Breault explained.
All these responsibilities could sometimes take a toll on the cast and crew. “I think the most exhausting part is probably just coming to school, doing all of the school things that we do, and then going to rehearsal, ” said Breault. “Run, work, sleep, to do it all again the next day.” Even still, this cast was more than excited to show off their hard work to their friends and family. “I’m really excited to see the set come together, because I know everyone’s been working so hard on it,” said Gonzales. “There’s just been a lot of work put into it.”
And it’s work that shows. From the vibrant set to the colorful costumes, this show has plenty of character and vivacity, something that really shines through in the musical moments. “With the bigger group numbers the energy is so high,” said Gonzales. “The vocals are in your face; there’s a lot happening, and I think that’s fun to watch.” But even when they’re not singing and dancing, these thespians keep the audience on their feet with well-timed jokes and physical comedy. “I’m excited to see the audience laugh,” said Breault. “I’m excited for them to see all the little jokes we put in there, the funny beats, I hope they all land.”
This show was a pleasure for those viewing it and those working on it as well. It became, not just a performance, but a positive experience for cast members like Gonzales to look back on. “It’s been really fun working with people I haven’t really gotten to work with before. It’s gotten me closer to a lot of my fellow cast members.” Now that Guys and Dolls Jr. has come to close, the Timber Creek Thespians are excited to get started on their next show, Big Fish.
