STORY BY OSCAR IMMEL
The stage will bear the weight of gangsters and gamblers and showgirls. The show will be brimming with the magic of 1950s New York, and the Sheridan community will soon have the chance to join in.
On Sept. 22, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Shaw Festival Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake, a performance of Guys & Dolls will take place, featuring 10 members of the cast and crew who are Sheridan alumni.
“We’re going to celebrate the great presence the alumni have in this one production,” said Jennifer Clarke, manager of the Alumni Office.
The Guys & Dolls musical premiered on Broadway in 1951, and is regarded as a classic. It follows Nathan Detroit as he becomes entangled in the throes of the gambling world and love problems.
At Sheridan College, it’s become a yearly tradition to visit a festival with a strong presence of Sheridan graduates.
Those who will be recognized are John Lott, David Ball, Kyle Golemba, Will Lamond, Nichola Lawrence, Melanie Phillipson, Travis Seetoo, Kelly Wong, Aaron Hastelow and Billy Lake.
“People can expect a great show,” Clarke said. “Shaw has a great reputation.”
The Shaw Festival is the second largest theatre company in North America, and is noted for its development of the dramatic arts in Canada.
There will be an exclusive post-show Q & A session after the production, Clarke said. Key members of the Guys & Dolls cast and crew will come out and talk with those who register.
For those interested in the post-show talk and alumni reception, registration is required through the Sheridan Alumni Office at alumni@sheridancollege.ca or call 905-815-4078. It is only available to those affiliated with Sheridan College.
To purchase tickets for the show, visit www.shawfest.com or call 1-800-511-SHAW. Tickets are $35 to $70. There is however, a 25 per cent Sheridan group discount, and the code 13079 must be given when calling or visiting the site to purchase.