Guys & Dolls

The first two weekends in May brings the Spring Musical at Jourdan's high school. This year, the production was "Guys & Dolls".  Jourdan got to play two characters, which put him on stage during most of the show.  Most kids were either gamblers or missionaries, he was both...mostly because they needed his amazing bass voice in all the musical numbers.   Jourdan had a brilliant idea to create a photo with both of his costumes.  It was easier than I thought.  On the left is "Calvin 'the Cat'" his gambler alter ego.  On the right is Calvin, a missionary in the "Save A Soul Mission"  (Bet you can guess which role was tailor-made for his personality!)

Here's a shot of the entire cast, crew, orchestra, and directors.  In all, there were over 80 kids and adults involved in the production.  I was the production coordinator, which means that I was responsible for all the small details of the show.  I supervised 16 parent committees.  I ended up heading about 5 of those committees, but I am thankful for wonderful parents who helped out to spread the work around.  While Jourdan and the cast were rehearsing on stage, I was worried about t-shirts, theme dinner, cast party, advertising, program editing, concessions, ticket-takers, and staffing all the other committees... we were both tired at the end, but it was sad to see the performances end.

Below is the "Save A Soul Mission" marching band.  Jourdan is the 4th from the left. 

 

 This is, perhaps, the funniest part of the show....well, at least, the most awkward moment for Jourdan.  His character Calvin "the Cat" is supposed to hit on Adelaide (the lead).  This could not be more out of character for Jourdan.  In fact, he was taking flirting lessons on the bus during the choir tour in preparation for this scene.  Too bad it's a little blurry.

Nicely, Nicely Johnson got hungry and needed a little "snack".  Jourdan in the background:

This is part of the Crapshooter's Dance in the sewer scene.  Jourdan is in the red coat third from the left.

These pictures are, in no way, in order....this is one of the final scenes.  He has made some wonderful friends through musical theater..to his right are Adwin and Haddi (front and center). 

Jourdan (again in the red coat) in the "Oldest Established" number (video to follow).

"...gotta have a game, or we'll die from shame....." as Jourdan looks on in the background....

More gamblers encouraging Skye Masterson to "roll 'em" as he has bet them $1,000 against their souls. 

Unfortunately for the gamblers, Skye wins, and they must all attend a midnight prayer meeting in the "Save A Soul Mission".

Jourdan's buddy, Brady, who played Nicely Nicely, sings "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat".  (See video below...it's a good one!)

 

"Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat"

 

"The Oldest Established, Permanent, Floating Crap Game in New York"

 

"Luck Be A Lady"

 

 

"Adelaide's Lament"

(Jourdan is not in this number, but his friend Stacy is so amazing....it's worth watching.  I have been impressed with the continuing talent at this school since we started attending musicals about 20 years ago.  It's always fun to hear the audience react to the talent, that they are clearly not expecting.) 

On closing night, Grandma Hale flew in from Denver to see the final performance. It was so great to have her in town for the show...too bad we only got to spend a day with her.