The Drumbeat

by Arshan Ali

Parsippany High School’s production of Guys and Dolls was a unified success, bringing energy, laughter, and unforgettable moments to the audience. The musical, featuring a variety of standout performances and creative staging, was one of the most well-received in recent years. At the heart of the production was Arshan Ali as the charismatic Sky Masterson and Elaina Voto as the principled Sarah Brown. Opposite them starred Keylor Jimenez as the fast-talking Nathan Detroit and Domenica Roberts as the vibrant Adelaide. The four talented actors, in addition to every actor involved with Guys and Dolls, truly carried the production with charisma and dedication and brought the musical adventure to fruition.

The production itself began at a steady pace, with a strong emphasis on the quality of acting, singing, and choreography. As the drama club reached the weeks preceding the show, the intensity ramped up. The set and costume design, a crucial element of recreating the vibe of the show, came together the month of the show and added the final touch to an already vibrant production.

Opening night was electric, with an audience that hollered cheers of delight while immersing themselves in the wonderful streets of 1950s New York. Despite the success, the production was not without its challenges. This year, there was a significant decrease in the number of stage crew participants, the fewest in years, making it very difficult to manage set changes and props. Additionally, a shortage of male cast members led to a few supporting characters being played by women, a creative adaptation that added a unique twist to the show.

The musical numbers contributed to memorable performances. Songs like Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat, performed by Sam Collins, brought the loudest cheers from the audience. Duets like Sarah and Sky’s I’ve Never Been in Love Before, and ensemble pieces like The Oldest Established, sung by Nathan Detroit and his gangsters, resonated strongly with audiences. The show’s grand finale, a reprise of the self-titled song Guys and Dolls, was so well-received that the audience called for an encore, clapping along in rhythm as the cast delivered an unforgettable closing. The audience’s exhilaration was further heightened by an innovative use of the theater space. Instead of every scene being constricted to the stage, the actors would occasionally run through the aisles, engaging with the audience in unexpected ways. This interactive approach brought a new level of excitement to the show.

One of the most unexpected yet memorable scenes that came from the release of creative freedom occurred during the Friday performance when Arshan as Sky Masterson was supposed to toss a gun to Keylor as Nathan Detroit, only for the exchange to be fumbled. What followed was a comedic avalanche as the characters shouted in mock panic over the near mishap, exclaiming that the gun could’ve been set off. The audience erupted with laughter, and despite being completely improvised, the scene was so well-received that the director instructed the actors to recreate the moment for closing night. The Saturday show itself didn’t leave a dry eye in the house. Time was taken to both thank the staff for their contributions towards the show and to praise the seniors for their extensive dedication towards providing the crowd with joy.

Beyond the entertainment value, Guys and Dolls had a significant impact on the school community. The musical was marketed as a school-wide event, bringing much-needed attention to the dying dramatic arts. Awareness of the dramatic arts have especially struggled in the years following the coronavirus pandemic. With participation in theater dwindling in recent years, the success of Guys and Dolls provided a massive resurgence of enthusiasm and has left the scene open for larger productions and audiences in the near future. For the cast and crew, the production was more than just a performance, it was an experience that fostered friendships, strengthened teamwork, and ignited a renewed passion for the performing arts. The success of the musical proved that the love for theater is still alive and well. With renewed energy and excitement surrounding the performing arts, the future looks bright for the PHS Drama Club. And if Guys and Dolls is any indication, even bigger and better productions are on the horizon.