If you are lucky enough, you live near a certain wondrous place of happiness: the theatre built for and by the community. Community theatre is a place where the spirit of brotherly love, collaboration and a celebration of theatre brings people together. So many professionals had the humble yet honorable beginnings in their local community theatre. It is here where dreams begin, love of art, discipline and dedication to something larger than one's self takes hold.
In particular, I am turning a spotlight on The Rockaway Theatre Company and their latest production of Guys and Dolls. I honestly don’t remember a time when I’ve seen this show done with as much heart, intelligence and incredible talent as this production. I am sure that one or more people on this stage or in the music pit will someday be a true professional, if he or she keeps at it.
Best described by its first Broadway director, George Kaufman, as “a play interrupted by music,” Frank Loesser’s Guys and Dolls is a heartwarming, musical fairytale of New York City during the days when men got their kicks from rolling dice for money and women were fine with being called dolls. If you have never seen the musical, a dollar gets you ten that you know at least one song from it.
Director and RTC Artistic Director since its 1997 start, John Gilleece has brought magnificent bouts of humor, energy and musicality out of his cast. There is truly not one down-moment or weak spot in the show. The musical direction of Richard Louise-Pierre and Heather Arzberger is top quality. The voices and stage presence of Chazmond Peackock, Cliff Hesse, Renee Steadman, Caitlin Byrne, Daniel Velez and Matthew Smilardi were particularly outstanding.
The chorus of dancers and gamblers had several notable stars as well, who shined just as bright as the lead performers such as Atsushi Eda, Makiko Kuri, Gabrielle Mangano, Leigh Dillon, Jose Velez, Andrew Guzman and Rob Colon. The $2 hot dogs sold onstage from a '40s-style hot dog vendor was both charming and, quite honestly, deeply appreciated.
With too many talented performers to list here, the rustically grand stage of the Post Theatre radiated. The Rockaway Theatre Company is a place where even if you don’t know anything about theatre, you are welcomed with open arms and a loving attitude. Edward Bond once said, “there is no world without theatre." True, and by revisiting this cultural gem, I say there is also no theatre without a community.
