We went by the Goodspeed Opera House yesterday afternoon to sit in on a tech rehearsal for GUYS AND DOLLS. We were struck by the production’s incredible set design by Paul Tate dePoo. There are neon signs (handcrafted at the Goodspeed shop!) illuminating the Times Square backdrop. The costumes, by Tracy Christensen, were vibrant and beautifully crafted – everything you can expect from a Goodspeed show.
Because they’re in tech, the orchestra (which is typically 8-10 people) wasn’t there yet and the audience was filled with creatives and crew. Each department (electrics, costumes, etc) had a table set up. We spotted a “That Was Easy” button on the stage manager, Brad’s, table. We’re sure his job is anything but easy, but we appreciate the sentiment.
We got to see them set the curtain call and the opening number, a dance montage of a busy, crime-ridden street and the famous tune, “Fugue for Tinhorns” (“Can do, can do, this guys says the horse can do!”). We can’t get it out of our heads.
Guys and Dolls has its final dress rehearsal tomorrow; the Goodspeed staff and creative team will be spending the majority of the day and night to place all of the finishing touches on this classic musical. We got to observe how the director, Don Stephenson (the son-in-law of Guys and Dolls composer himself, Frank Loesser) collaborate with the head electrician, set designer, and choreographer in the rehearsal.
We can’t wait for opening night, Friday April 10th, when we’ll get to see more of how this impressive creative team has breathed fresh life into an American classic
Goodspeed Geeks 