The Eastern Middle School 2023-2024 Drama Club will perform the classic musical “Guys and Dolls” in the school’s Lee Book Auditorium on Thursday, February 1 (at 4:30 pm), Friday, February 2 (at 7:00 pm), and Saturday, February 3 (at 4:30 pm).
Thursday’s tickets are $10, and Friday and Saturday’s tickets are $20. Assigned seat tickets can be purchased online at easternmiddleschool.ludus.com.
Guys and Dolls is produced by Eastern Middle School (EMS) teachers Jennifer Badillo and Julia Fama, is directed by Fama, and features choreography by Scott Sisbarro of St. Saviour’s School of Dance. All students in grades 6 through 8 were invited to participate, and approximately 100 responded to form the cast and crew.
With its memorable characters inspired by the stories of Damon Runyon and recognizable songs like “Luck be a Lady” and “Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat,” Guys and Dolls transports audiences back to a bygone era. The musical romantic comedy tells the story of con man Nathan Detroit’s (Jack Kosinski) struggle to find the cash to hold the biggest craps game in town. At the same time, Lieutenant Brannigan (Conor O’Brien) breathes down his neck, and his fiance of 14 years, Adelaide (Olivia Vairo), continues to wonder when they will finally be married. Enter Sky Masterson (Kyler Woerz), a high-rolling gambler. Nathan attempts to get the dough he needs by making a bet with Sky, causing Sky to chase the tight-laced missionary, Sarah Brown (Lyla Salvatore). This bet takes audiences from the bustle of Times Square, the cafes of Havana, and the sewers of New York City and surprises the independent Sky as he finds himself falling in love with Sarah.
Producer (and 7th-grade social studies teacher) Jennifer Badillo has been producing shows for EMS for ten years. Badillo says, “This production has been a labor of love from every individual involved. I am excited for audiences to see all of the hard work put into it from the students, teachers, and volunteers.”
Producer and director (and 7th-grade English teacher) Julia Fama says, “I feel so lucky to work with such an extraordinary group of young performers. It has been such a privilege to watch them develop their talents on stage.”
