Players prepare for ‘Guys and Dolls’
Sarah Brown (Katie Buckley) scolds Sky Masterson’s (Jeff Ashby) gambling ways, during a scene from “Guys and Dolls.”
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Presque Isle Community Players are busy preparing for their upcoming production of “Guys and Dolls,” under Tamia Glidden’s directorial debut of community theater.
This isn’t Glidden’s first stint at directing a play, having done so for five Presque Isle High School musicals. But this is her first time directing the Players. After many years as a cast member for the group, she decided it was time to try something different.
“I’ve been with the Players for 13 years. I began as an actor, then moved behind the curtain. I’m now working behind the scenes, as opposed to being center stage,” said Glidden.
Glidden said it’s a pleasure she looks forward to each year.
“There’s such camaraderie with the cast of each play. It’s a family-oriented affair,” she said.
She said her job this year has been made much easier, thanks to the talented cast.
“It’s lovely to see all the local talent working together to enrich the community,” Glidden said.
Glidden’s found over the years the plays serve as more than just entertainment.
“It’s nice for people to have something to do. You get to see a lot of people you wouldn’t see otherwise. This really unites communities,” she said, noting that cast members come from all over. “We used to have a gentleman from Canada, but he couldn’t make it this year because of a conflict with his schedule. But we have several cast members from Presque Isle, Mapleton, even the Caribou and Woodland area.”
She credits the group’s professionalism with making her job much easier.
“They’re a great group to work with. It’s been a joy,” Glidden said.
Jeff Ashby, Debbie Lamont, Jim Derosier and Players’ newcomer Katie Buckley are a few members of the Players’ cast that will bring a hilarious, high-energy “Guys and Dolls” to the Presque Isle Middle School Stage this month. Kyle Green is once again performing the duties of musical director. Opened on Broadway in November 1950, the original play ran for 1,200 performances and in 1951 won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
“Frank Loesser (‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’) wrote the music and lyrics. The book was by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, based on two short stories by Damon Runyon, ‘The Idyll of Miss Sarah Brown’ and ‘Blood Pressure,’” said Glidden.
The film version, released in 1955, starred Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons and Vivian Blaine.
The plot revolves around a group of gamblers and a mix of other characters, and you have a play sure to create a few laughs.
“All the hot gamblers are in town, and they’re depending on Nathan Detroit to set up the week’s incarnation of ‘The Oldest Established Permanent Floating Crap Game in New York.’ The only problem is, he needs $1,000 to get the place. Throw in Sarah Brown, who’s short on sinners at the mission she runs; Sky Masterson, who accepts Nathan’s $1,000 bet that he can’t get Sarah Brown to go with him to Havana; Miss Adelaide, who wants Nathan to marry her; Police Lt. Brannigan, who always seems to appear at the wrong time, and you’ve got a rollicking musical you’re sure to enjoy,” explained Glidden.
Glidden said having been in the actors’ shoes, having performed in past productions, she feels she has a better understanding of what they’re going through.
“It’s helpful to be an actor before you start directing. I understand how they’re looking at something. I can see things from their perspective,” she said. “I can see things from an actor’s slant and give them support.”
This year’s performances will take place on Fridays and Saturdays, Feb. 19,20, 26 and 27, with showtime 7 p.m. at the Presque Isle Middle School Auditorium.
Lower ticket prices are available for advanced purchases.
“Tickets purchased in advance will be $10 for adults and $8 for seniors (65 and over) and students (18 and under). They can be purchased at the Aroostook Centre Mall or Goin’ Postal (credit cards accepted) in Presque Isle, or at the Food Trend in Caribou,” said Glidden.
Tickets purchased at the door will be $12 for adults and $10 for seniors/students.
This year’s production is sponsored, in part, by MMG Insurance and Time Warner Cable.
She credits the many volunteers with making such productions possible.
“I really appreciate all the volunteers. All the time they devote to this, it’s really impressive,” said Glidden. “This helps support the arts locally. It’s keeping the arts alive in Aroostook County.”
‘THE THUGS’ take a break from rehearsing a scene from “Guys and Dolls” for a quick photo op. Pictured, from left, standing: Bob Sawyer, Rod Thompson, Larry Berz, Bob Jordan, Harold Tardy, Ron McArdle, Charlie Smith and Reed Moody. Kneeling, from left: Jeff Ashby, Jim Derosier and Dusty Graham.
