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Guys And Dolls Play Analysis

Decent Essays

What’s your tale, Nightingale? Jacksonville State University’s production of Frank Loesser’s renowned musical, Guys and Dolls, seems to tell a tale of life in the big apple during the 1950’s. This production was performed at the Carlton Ward Theatre, February 23-25, and March 2-4 of 2018. I had the great privilege of working on this production, as both Assistant Stage Manager and Dramaturg. Being so heavily involved, I was able to carefully observe different acting techniques as well as the processes and work that actors went through, not only during production but also during each night’s performances. After working and seeing this production from start to finish, I believe that the actors worked well on presenting this musical in a fun …show more content…

The technique of acting out the truth of the moment is talked about in A Practical Handbook for the Actor, a task that is by Sanford Meisner and is extended by these writers into a theory called the “Squeaky Door Theory”. A good example of this that can be seen in Guys and Dolls is the interaction between Nathan and Angie the Ox, played by Benjamin Marazzi. In Act One Scene One, Angie the Ox approaches Nathan about Sky Masterson, played by Brandon Clark, being in town for the crap game. The director gave Marazzi freedom to mold his character to his own will and in doing so we saw a different side to Angie the Ox every night. Because the character’s actions changed every performance, Wilkerson had to adapt to the given circumstances and play off of his scene partner. He relied on his acting ability and preparation to guide him through the scene as authentically as possible every night. This ability to act on what occurs in you as it occurs within you is a sign of a tremendous presence onstage and marks a great …show more content…

I was able to watch Brianna’s acting preparation and growth throughout the production and performances. She broke down her character’s motives and objectives through each act, scene, and line. She attacked all of her obstacles and was able to play those objectives and obstacles on stage! For example, Adelaide wants nothing more than to marry Nathan. Her super objective might be to convince Nathan that marriage is the right choice. She goes about this objective by telling Nathan that she already told her mother they were married, her hesitance in saying this shows that she wants to marry him but isn’t sure why he doesn’t want to get married yet. Then when she sings “Adelaide’s Lament” it could be interpreted that she wants nothing more than to be married to Nathan, so much so that it’s making her sick, which is a physicality that Garrett is able to constantly show the audience throughout the play, even when she sings. In fact, before every entrance, Garrett would cough and sniffle to prepare her body to portray that of a sick person. By breaking down her characters’ objectives and identifying her obstacles, Garrett was able to bring a certain quality to Miss Adelaide that only she could have brought to the

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