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Kyrene Middle Schoolers bring new life to a musical classic

By Melissa Hirschl

“Call it sad, call it funny, but it’s better than even money…that the guy’s only doing it for some doll!”

If those memorable lyrics by Frank Loesser resonate in your being and get your toes tapping, it’s time to see it again: the immortal musical production of Guys and Dolls.

No, the venue isn’t Gammage; it’s the familiar stage at Kyrene Middle School, where drama teacher Dave Mittel and his young thespians once again are promising an enjoyable rebirth of a theatrical classic.

You can get reacquainted with endearing characters like Nathan Detroit, Sky Masterson and Sister Sarah, as they charm you once again with their heartfelt songs and their comical, mischievous behavior.

Cleverly written, spirited songs like Luck Be A Lady, Harry the Horse and Slow Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat, are only some of the nostalgic songs you’ll hear from the very talented middle schoolers performing this lively hit this weekend and next.

“I’m working with a cast of 45, along with musical director and teacher Julie Hackmann to put on a fun and exciting musical that everyone will love,” says Director Dave Mittel, the 8th grade English teacher who also oversees the after-school theater program.

“We’ve done so many shows, such as Fiddler on the Roof, which we did last year. This year I wanted to do a comedy, and Guys and Dolls is a play I’ve always wanted to do.”

“This is when the adrenaline starts kicking in,” he adds.

“It’s all starting to come together; we’ve been practicing since December and now it all comes to fruition. Everything we’ve thought about for nine weeks is finally materializing. It’s sort of like a big puzzle that finally gets completed. The kids are really excited and so am I.”

Mittel has been directing plays at KMS for 10 years since starting the program. Before coming to Arizona he worked in the Boston Children’s Theater. He also directed plays at Bowdoin College in Maine.

This lively, colorful show that takes place in the 1940s, will have authenticity running through every scene.

The play’s four dramatic scenes include Broadway, the Mission set, Little Havana and a sewer.

The “gangsters” wear bright and bold plaid “zoot” suits, complete with fedora white-rimmed hats and two-tone shoes. Realistic nuns, missionaries and sequined dancers make an appearance, as well.

Kyrene Corridor resident Annissa Olsen plays the lead role of missionary Sarah Brown, who eventually falls in love with chronic gambler Sky Masterson.

Together and separately they serenade the audience with songs like If I Were a Bell, I’ve Never Been in Love Before and I’ll Know When my Love Comes Along.

Olsen, who has a background in piano, violin and viola, has been singing since she was young.

“Being in this musical production is so much fun,” she says.

“I love performing a lot and being on stage is like having the biggest rush you can imagine. The cast is like family now, since we’ve spent so much time rehearsing together.”

She adds:

“What I love about this play is the contrast of people. Both good and bad people have each other’s qualities and in the end, everything works out great and has a positive ending.”
If you want to see this happy, upbeat and energetic play, get tickets as soon as possible. Kyrene Middle School is located at 1050 E. Carver Road, Tempe. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door or through Julie Hackmann at jhackm@kyrene.org.

The show, which premiered April 4, has repeat performances scheduled at 7 p.m. April 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13.

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