'Guys and Dolls' wows on stage

SANDPOINT — Energetic, rollicking, bombastic, enthralling: it’s easy to bust out the adjectives for the classic musical “Guys and Dolls.”

What isn’t easy is staging the production with a critical eye for quality acting, singing and dancing. Thanks to some the region’s most talented production directors and serious dedication from the cast, however, Sandpoint High School students are ready to give a performance that theater-goers won’t soon forget.

“I love my high schoolers,” choreographer Taryn Quayle said. “They’re like sponges that absorb information. They have a dedication to their art that’s hard to find.”

That determination helped a cast and crew with varying levels of acting, singing, dancing and technical experience work their way into a cohesive body of performers ably performing set pieces of dizzying complexity. For example, the crap shooters scene, popularly described by Quayle and the cast members as their favorite song-and-dance number, involves a spectacular combination of music and movement as the players leap and tumble across the stage.

“Where people used to seem flat, now they come off as robust characters,” said Ryan Wolff, who plays male lead Nathan Detroit.

It was no simple task reaching that point. Over the past three months, the actors and production directors threw themselves into their roles with an energy that left Quayle deeply impressed.

“They would leave practice sore, with bruises and carpet burns, and come back ready to go the next day,” she said.

However, the students’ willingness to commit was only one ingredient in the mix toward a top-notch final product.

The performers also required skilled guides to lead them on the path toward excellence. The play scored an excellent musical director in high school and middle school choir director Jon Brownell.

Quayle’s recruitment as the choreographer was another coup for the crew, considering her formal education and extensive experience in the world of musical theater. Her experience working with performers of all skill levels proved to be a boon, since an excellent singer is often not equally skilled at acting. And dancers, with their intense focus on grace and athleticism, are often too occupied to develop in other branches of the performing arts.

“When you’re given a triple threat in acting, singing and dancing, it’s extremely rare,” Quayle said.   

As for high school drama teacher Jeanie Hunter said she took on more of an advisory role in the production, allowing students to manage many aspects for themselves. She handed over many of her typical duties to student Alexandra Krames, who stepped up as assistant director and stage manager.

Students also filled essential roles in areas like set design, lighting  and technical management.

One such behind-the-scenes hero will surely be Michelle Barley, whose efforts in costume design play a major contribution in the look and feel of the spectacle.

Locals will have plenty of opportunities to check out the Sandpoint High School production of “Guys and Dolls.” The debut performance took place Friday with a follow-up on Saturday, but that doesn’t mean anyone is left out in the cold.

Performances are also scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday, May 17, and Saturday, May 18. The following weekend is the final chance to catch the show at 7 p.m. May 24 and May 25.

“I can’t think of a single thing about this production I’d highlight over anything else,” Wolff said. “I love everything about it.”