Kamiak’s “Guys and Dolls” a hit

By Meredith Pechta

         Kamiak High School is closing their academic year with a great production of “Guys and Dolls.”  You won’t want to miss this one. 

         You may remember the movie starring the late Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra and Jean Simmons.

         It takes place in New York, circa 1950.  It centers round a group of guys whose lives revolve around gambling.  Most especially a floating crap game run by Nathan Detroit.

         Since he has a cop named Brannigan is always catching them, Nathan has been having a hard time finding a safe location.  He’s having an even harder time convincing his fiancée that he will marry her.  After a decade long engagement, what do you expect?

         Nathan needs a thousand dollars for a rented location.  His friend Sky Masterson will give him the money if he Sky loses a bet.  That he can get a girl of Nathan choosing to go to South America for the evening.

         Nathan chooses Sarah Brown, the do-gooder of the Gospel Mission.  She knows what guys like Sky are like.  Will she go?  Will Nathan or Sky win the bet?  Will Adelaide finally hear wedding bells instead of dice rolling?

         Everything here is first rate.  The costumes and sets especially.  The songs are what hook you.  They’re all vibrant and catchy.

         Kamiak High School has put together an outstanding cast.  Ryan Hyde plays the charismatic Sky Masterson.  After many previous performances at Kamiak, he’s finally graduating.

         Sarah Brown, the prudish conquest is played by Nina Alden.  She is also graduating in the near future.  And she sings like an angel.

         The unlucky Nathan Detroit is played by Storm Heitman.  You might remember him from last year production of “Hello Dolly.”  Like many others, this is his farewell performance.

         The role of the long-suffering Adelaide is shared by Jordan Baker and Bailey Grundman- Brady on alternate nights.  Both bring a certain combination of frustration and world-weariness to the part. 

         Ben Ash plays a big time gambler called Big Jule.  He likes to settle bets with a combination of cold cash and hot lead.

         Kyle Bolme plays Arvide Abernathy, part of Sarah Brown’s mission group.  He acts as her father-figure as adviser and protector.

         Bryce Hayden Henry and Matthew T. Patterson play Nathan’s cohorts Nicely-Nicely and Benny Southstreet who both lose and gain a lot of respect.

         The suspicious Lt. Brannigan is played by Luke Mahar.  He doesn’t have a lot to do as this cop, but he disappears into him and makes the best of it.

         Shauna Corbitt makes a authoritative presence as General Cartwright.  She’s the higher-up of the mission who’s growing impatient with the lack of sinners in the mission.

         There are too many cast members to name; suffice it to say that they all deserve some hearty congratulations.

         This is a great way to celebrate the beginning of summer and a new beginning for the graduating members of the cast.  You’ll love “Guys and Dolls.”  You bet on it.

“Guys and Dolls” is playing at Kamiak High School, May 2, 3, 9 & 10, at 7:30 p.m.  There is also a Matinee Performance on May 10 at 2 p.m.

For Ticket Reservations Call: 425-356-6654 ext. #3.