Staples Players Present Guys and Dolls
(L-R): Max Ardrey (SHS ’23), Will McCrea (back row, SHS '26), Charlie Watson (SHS ’23), Griffin Delmhorst (SHS '26), Cameron Mann (SHS '24), Jayden Saenz (SHS ’23), Sebastian Gikas (SHS ’23), Ella Grace Worraker (SHS '23), Samantha Edwards (SHS '24), Kaya Arava (SHS '24), Addie Purcell (SHS '23). Photo by Kerry LongPress ReleaseGangsters, gamblers, and gutsy gals—oh my! Come on out for Staples Players’ must-see fall production of GUYS AND DOLLS. This oddball romantic comedy takes theatergoers from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana and even down into the sewers of New York City, all while following the unlikely love affairs between a high-rolling gambler and a prim-and-proper missionary, as well as a crap game manager and his showgirl girlfriend. David Roth (SHS ’84) and Kerry Long (SHS ’97) co-direct the cast of 60, while choreographer Rachel MacIsaac and music director Don Rickenback oversee classic tunes such as “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “A Bushel and a Peck,” and “Luck Be a Lady.” Jeff Hauser is Technical Director. Performances are November 11, 12, 18 & 19 at 7:30 PM and November 12, 13 & 19 at 3 PM.
“We chose Guys and Dolls because it has been some time since Players has done a big, old-fashioned musical,” explains director David Roth. “Guys and Dolls is often called ‘a perfect musical’ by theater historians—it practically stages itself because it is so well constructed and tightly written.” Co-director Kerry Long says, “With a classic show like Guys and Dolls, we get more intricate scenes to delve into wonderful, fully realized characters that come alive on stage.” Both Roth and Long look forward to introducing the musical to a younger generation while dazzling audiences already familiar with the classic show.
Although Players has a long history with Guys and Dolls—with 5 productions of the show over the past 50 years—Roth points out, “Every time we do a show that we have staged before, it is different merely by the nature of working with a different group of actors. This time, our set is vastly different from either of the versions we have done before. In 2009, our set was very much storybook-like illustrations of a New York of yesteryear. This time around, set design Jordan Janota is treating us to the bright lights of 1950 Times Square. We can't wait to see the results of the crew's hard work!”
Roth and Long feel a very personal connection to Guys and Dolls as well. Their daughter, Lucy, was born on the opening night of the Staples production in 2009. Arriving almost a month before her due date, Lucy made a surprise appearance just 17 minutes after the curtain rose!
With the cast of approximately 60 students, including a large freshman class being welcomed into Players, the show features the traditional lead roles as well as multiple singing and dancing ensembles. Senior James Dobin-Smith (SHS ’23) plays Sky Masterson and describes the character as “a smooth, smart, big-stakes gambler who doesn’t take life too seriously until he meets his true love." Dobin-Smith loves the comedic writing, witty dialogue and the two love stories at the center of the show. “And,” he adds, “the music is phenomenal.”
Jordyn Goldshore (SHS ’23) is the Assistant Director for the show and has been training for the role since she was a freshman. “I started as Production Assistant and have worked my way up,” she says. “Each day I assist in acting rehearsals. I also organize most of the audition process, rehearsal scheduling, and planning around the show weekends.” Goldshore says that while managing the various ensemble groups can be difficult, her primary job is being “an advocate for the actors.”
Henry Carson (SHS ’24) plays Nathan Detroit, the main character, who Carson admits, “can, at first, seem like a jerk.” But Carson was up for the challenge of taking a deeper look at the character and “establishing why he has trouble understanding himself and his hurtful impact on those around him.” Carson worked hard “to add depth to the character, which doesn’t necessarily justify the immoral things he does, but at least provides an understanding and connection to the character.” Carson also thinks people should come out and see the show because “not only does the show have great musical numbers and some truly jaw dropping choreography, but the atmosphere built by the biting dialogue is extremely immersive. It truly feels like you're on the streets of New York, looking down the block and seeing all of these shenanigans take place.”
Madelyn Spera (SHS ’23) says that her character, Sarah Brown, “is an idealistic and principled missionary who is very passionate about her cause to convert and save gamblers from living lives of sin. Sarah goes on such a huge journey throughout the show, and it was important for me to explore all the complex aspects and depth to her character.” Spera encourages the community to come out to see Guys and Dolls because she promises, “there is never a dull moment in this show.”
Staples Players Presents Guys & Dolls
Music & Lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows
“Guys & Dolls” is presented by special arrangement Music Theatre International
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited
Production Team
Directors: David Roth & Kerry Long
Music Director: Don Rickenback
Choreographer: Rachel MacIsaac
Technical Director: Jeff Hauser
Set Designer: Jordan Janota
Costumes: Christie Stanger
Graphic Designer: Kerry Long
Performance Schedule
Friday and Saturday Evenings: Nov 11, 12 & 18, 19 at 7:30 pm
Matinees: Nov 12, 13 & 19 at 3:00 pm
Run time: approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
Rated PG
Performance Location
Staples High School Auditorium
Tickets
Tickets are $20 and may be purchased online at Staplesplayers.com or in the lobby, starting 30 minutes prior to performances (subject to availability).
DPW Announces Fall Leaf Collection Schedule
The Department of Public Works will begin curbside leaf collection on Monday, November 7. All leaves must be placed in biodegradable paper bags safely near the curb of a Town street by December 5 to guarantee pick-up. Residents living on private streets must place their leaves behind the curb of an intersecting Town roadway. Leaves placed in plastic bags will not be picked up as the composting process cannot handle plastic.
There is no need to call and schedule a pick-up, as our crews will complete pick-ups as their schedules allow. For further information, contact the Department of Public Works office at 203-341-1120 or visit the Department of Public Works webpage at www.westportct.gov
Extended Fall Hours Begin at the Bayberry Brush Facility
Located at 180 Bayberry Lane (behind the Aspetuck Health District)
The yard waste site is now open Monday through Saturday 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Extended Saturday hours are in effect thru December 10, 2022.
Westport residents with valid proof of residency may dump up to six (6) 30-gallon bags or containers full of leaves without a fee at the Bayberry Brush Facility located at 180 Bayberry Lane. Only Westport residents with valid proof of residency may bring their leaves directly to the yard waste site. Please remember, no plastic bags.
Any van, pickup or tag-along trailer exceeding the 6-bag limit will be charged $40.00 per load. Any vehicle or trailer larger than a conventional pickup with a 4-foot by 8-foot bed will be charged $90.00 per ton.
Any vehicles with a 9-foot body or vehicles changed to significantly enlarge their factory design size will be charged $90.00 per ton estimated at 2 ton without weigh slip ($180.00).
Dump tickets must be purchased at Town Hall, Monday through Friday between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. or by mail by writing - Department of Public Works, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.
Lucinda “Cindy” Hollingsworth Holbrook, 85, Died; Greens Farms Resident, Skier, Model
Lucinda “Cindy” Hollingsworth Holbrook, 85, of Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on October 19th, 2022 surrounded by her children. She was born July 28, 1937 in Greenport, New York to the late Elizabeth (Morrell) and R. Lee Hollingsworth.
Cindy led an interesting and adventurous life. Shortly after graduating from high school in 1955, she walked into the Eileen Ford modeling agency and was signed on the spot. Within a year, she was one of the most sought-after models, even gracing the covers of Vogue and Glamour in the same month. Her career as a top fashion model during the 1950s and 1960s (under her maiden name Lucinda Hollingsworth) offered her the opportunity to travel the world and work with the top fashion photographers of the time such as Horst, Avedon, Radkai, Rawlings, Dambier and Kublin, among others. During Cindy’s prolific career, she appeared on the covers of Vogue, Glamour, Mademoiselle, Charm, McCall’s, Sports Illustrated, and numerous other publications. In addition to her editorial work for these magazines, she was featured in major advertising campaigns for a variety of companies including Monet Jewelry, Revlon, Chanel, Balmain Parfums, Gilbey’s Vodka and Tricosa knitwear. Cindy was a memorable face of her generation, working alongside other top models including Suzy Parker, Jean Patchett, Delores Hawkins, Dovima, and Carmen Dell' Orefice.
After retiring from modeling, Cindy married and raised her three children in Greens Farms, Connecticut while still finding the time to pursue her varied interests and volunteer work. As bright, charming and funny as she was beautiful, Cindy was also very creative and accomplished when she set her mind to something. Having learned to sew at a young age, Cindy excelled at designing and making her own clothing, which always had a unique flair. She continued her education in fashion by attending design classes at Parsons. Another lifelong passion was gardening. She was a member of the Sasqua Garden Club and served a term as President from 1989-1991. Especially in her later years, she could be found most days working in her garden.
Cindy loved antiquing and once spent a three-week trip in England with a good friend visiting antique shops – a large freight container of her finds followed her home. She used her knowledge of antiques as Co-Chair of the Antiques Committee at the Fairfield Women’s Exchange, an organization that she enjoyed supporting for many years. Cindy also loved interior design and architecture. She designed, furnished and landscaped three wonderful houses in her last 30 years. Cindy’s favorite sport was skiing. She was an elegant and graceful skier who logged more than 2 million vertical feet of off-piste helicopter skiing with CMH in the Canadian Rockies over her lifetime. As elegant as she was grounded, Cindy was never afraid to get her hands dirty and was always building or fixing things in her woodshop. She probably owned more power tools than most men. Her family would routinely find things around the house that she “MacGyvered” with a bit of string or duct tape.
A long-time summer resident, Cindy moved to Martha’s Vineyard full-time in 2018. She worked as a volunteer at the Chicken Alley Thrift Store and joined a bridge group where she made some very good friends. Her marriage to George W. Holbrook, Jr. ended in 1994. She is survived by her three children, Megan Holbrook (Eric Vogel), Amy Holbrook and John Holbrook, and her brothers George (Teresa) Hollingsworth and John (JoAnn) Hollingsworth, as well as 14 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother C. Thomas Hollingsworth. A memorial service will be held in Westport, Connecticut on December 3rd at 1 pm at the Greens Farms Church. A private family burial in Cutchogue, New York will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Connecticut or Massachusetts Audubon Society.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Sunny, with a high near 68. North wind 5 to 7 mph.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 46. Calm wind.
Tomorrow
Sunny, with a high near 64. Light and variable wind.
Tomorrow Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Calm wind.