‘Guys and Dolls’ showcases MC students’ singing, dancing, acting range

One of America’s most beloved musical comedies will grace Jean Pittman Williams Recital Hall at Mississippi College when Lyric Stage at MC performs “Guys and Dolls” at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 27 to March 1, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 2, in the Aven Fine Arts Building.

Set in post-World War II Manhattan, the play by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows features larger-than-life characters in an adventure based upon American sportswriter Damon Runyon’s short stories.

The musical score by Frank Loesser features several toe-tapping favorites, including “Luck Be a Lady,” “The Oldest Established,” “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat” and “Guys and Dolls.”

Jamie Ertle, “Guys and Dolls” director and adjunct faculty member in the MC Department of Music, said the musical provides an opportunity for the Lyric Stage at MC performers to showcase their talents on stage.

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve performed more contemporary productions like ‘Godspell,’ ‘Little Women’ and a song cycle, ‘Closer than Ever,’” Ertle said. “I felt it was time for a more traditional musical theatre piece.

“I’m very proud of how all the students have come together to help with all aspects of the show.”

For veteran Lyric Stage at MC performers like Abigail Young, who will bring several characters to life, the production is a treat for audience and actors alike.

“’Guys and Dolls’ has always been one of my dream musicals,” said Young, a sophomore music-voice major from Ocean Springs who has performed as Morales in Bizet’s “Carmen,” Mrs. Bluff in Mozart’s “Der Schauspieldirektor” and a soloist in “Closer than Ever.” “I adore the music, the dancing, the characters and the messages the show is built on.

“I also love performing because it is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

“Guys and Dolls” marks the Lyric Stage at MC debut of Carsen Flowers, a freshman psychology major from Brandon. She wasn’t familiar with the musical when she auditioned for the show, but landed the featured role of Adelaide and will perform six musical numbers in the production.

“I have been doing theatre since I was a kid and wanted to be a part of that community at MC,” Flowers said. “After doing my research, I fell in love with the Golden Age comedy.”

Having only played dramatic characters, she said the most challenging aspect of her “Guys and Dolls” role isn’t singing, dancing or acting, but timing.

“I played Sandy in ‘Grease’ at Brandon High School last year, which was a dramatic character in a comedy show,” Flowers said. “Adelaide, however, is a comedic role to her core. It has been very challenging to find comedic timing and have fun with her songs.

“It’s definitely put me out of my comfort zone and forced me to grow. The challenges just make the preparation more fun.”

Ertle said Lyric Stage at MC’s production of “Guys and Dolls” will remain faithful to the original play – no updated elements are needed when performing a classic.

“It’s an era of musical theater that I really enjoy,” she said. “It’s very nostalgic and fun, and it brings people joy. We need that more than anything else right now.”

Young said she hopes the Lyric Stage at MC performance will evoke laughter from the audience.

“I am beyond excited for the audience to see what we've spent months of our lives working on and to appreciate what we have created,” she said.

Tickets for “Guys and Dolls” cost $25 each or $10 for students, faculty and staff and may be purchased online at music.mc.edu/tickets or by calling 601.925.3440.