Oversized vibrant suits shone under bright stage lights, spinning choreography filled the stage, and the audience was excited. It was opening night of Nueva’s production of Guys and Dolls, and Andy M. hit the stage for “Luck Be a Lady” with an energized ensemble behind him.
It’s Andy’s favorite song to perform in the whole show: “I really like the energy. It’s a really fun dance number. And it’s a really key turning point in his story.”
However, Andy’s actual favorite Guys and Dolls song was one he was not in at all, “Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat.” The song was simultaneously a testament to the incredible teamwork Andy watched his fellow cast members pull off, and also, remains a classic showtune.
That classic nature of the show is what drew director Zoe Swenson-Graham to Guys and Dolls. Not only did she believe that it’d be worthwhile for her students to have an old show in their repertoire, but she also hoped that those watching in the audience would be familiar with the show’s classic songs and dances. “I think there’s something really valuable about having that history,” Swenson-Graham said.
At the same time, the old nature of the musical meant that the team had to reckon with the play’s more old-fashioned elements, from sexist language to incredibly binary divisions of gender to a dubiously romantic scene. Swenson-Graham had a simple approach for navigating these aspects.
“We tr[ied] to be as open and transparent in talking about that from the very beginning. ” Swenson-Graham said. “I always hope that the students and the community feel involved in making sure that they feel comfortable telling it.”
Throughout the semester, Swenson-Graham was keen on incorporating student leadership and initiative into the class, whether through trusting the seniors to help create a welcoming atmosphere, or assigning dance captains to lead choreography routines—this year’s being Kylie E.-M., Eva S., Mylie M. Tin K., and Caitlin Z.
Kylie truly enjoyed taking on the responsibility, especially as the only freshman among the other upperclassmen dance captains.
“It’s really nice being able to look up to them as upperclassmen, but also become friends with them,” Kylie said. “When we’re just [rehearsing] together, I think learning the choreography is so much fun because everyone is really motivated—even if they’re not a dancer, they’re willing to try it out!”
That willingness to simply try is something that Archie B. has internalized throughout his time in theater, as he’s grown into lead roles, experimented with accents and all kinds of acting methods, and become a student who can build a welcoming culture amongst the cast.
“People like people who take risks. When I first got into theater, I wanted to look cool while doing these big, theatrical actions and dances. But that silliness is what theater is—you just gotta embrace that, on stage and off the stage. Just be yourself,” Archie said.
