Feb 25, 2005 4 min read

CALIFORNIA – California Area High School’s Class of 2005 directed by Lori Martin will present Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling’s “Guys and Dolls” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday March 2-4. Seniors Joel Costello and James Palanza will portray leading men Sky Masterson and Nathan Detroit. Junior Kirsten Sears takes the stage as the leading lady, Sarah Brown, while sophomore Deirdre Hall brings Miss Adelaide to life.

Tickets for “Guys and Dollars” are available for adults, students and senior citizens. Cash only will be accepted.

Advanced tickets will be sold to the public in the high school cafeteria between 5 and 7 p.m. Monday. The remaining tickets will be sold at the door beginning one hour before ach performance. For questions about ticket sales, call Claudia Bennett at 724-785-5800 extension 1131.

Frank’s Loesser’s lyrics and music include the now-classic “Fugue for Tinhorns,” “Luck Be a Lady,” “A Bushel and a Peck” and “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat.”

The drama, based on Damon Runyon’s 1932 story “Guys and Dolls,” is populated by swaggering characters with little to boast about.

California’s supporting cast members include seniors Anthony Glab (Benny), Daniel Santo (Rusty Charlie), Myles Nickolich (Arvide), Lisa Sible (the General), Andres Galis (Big Jule), Riley Goodside (Lieutenant Brannigan), Dane Slavic (Agatha) and Laurel McCrory (Mimi).

Juniors are Michael Jones (Nicely-Nicley Johnson) and Luke Hixon (Angie the Ox). Freshman Jeremy Shen will portray Harry the Horse.

The story paints a colorful picture of New York life in 1950. It focuses on the odd impulses that govern some of the city’s most picturesque characters.

Nathan Detroit (Palanza), organizer of the oldest permanent floating crap game, bets inveterate gambler Sky Materson (Costello) that he can’t make the next girl he sees fall in love with him.

Masterson accepts the bet, but the girl turns out to be a special challenge. Sara Brown (Sears) of the Save-a-Soul Mission.

Dance captains Danielle Constantine, a junior, and Lisa Constantine, a sophomore, have choreographed a lively show for the Hot Box Ladies.

Senior dancers are Hope Calhoun, Tonya Cuevas and Kacey Schaum. Joining them are junior Stephanie Lawrence, sophomores Rachel Gatalica, Elyse Horath, Taylor Popelas and Kellie Porter, and freshman Faith Calhoun, Chelsea Javorsky and Lindsay King.

The Gamblers (men’s chorus) are seniors Sean King, Seth Prentice and Brad Write, junior Eugene Axton, sophomores Nick Balla, Steve Jones, Ron Mounts and Josh Smith and freshman T.J. Hixenbaugh and Nick Rohr.

Junior Alex Petro, sophomore Leandra Hickman and freshmen Emily Dowler, Autumn Harris and Elizabeth Shaw form the Save-A-Soul Mission Band.

Musical numbers are rounded out by the Ladies’ Chorus, which includes junior Tasha Hasbrouck, sophomores Samantha Baker and Jessica Martin and freshmen Kellie Condie, Sydney Harris and Miranda Holma.

Victoria Bennett is the show’s stage manager, assisted by Jenna Russell, Kayla Gatalica and senior Nathan Mickuliza. Karen Wienk is house manager. Dana Slavic is properties mistress.

Other crew members include technicians Samantha Slusarcyzk (lighting), Casey Owen (sound) and senior Brandon Jones (spotlight).

Senior Sarah Smoyer heads a stage crew, which includes Anna Morich, Greg Arnold and Megan Silbaugh.

Doug Boyd is rehearsal videographer. Ryan Drupp and Maria Wohar are set builders. Lauren Buletza is the painter. Shelby Brown and Kristina Rizak are the show’s makeup designs. Orchestral artists are senior Andrew Bilitski, Michelle Min, Hannah Min and Tyler Roach.

Martin has directed 29 shows at California, including 18 musicals.

Donnalee Stone returns as assistant to the director for her 17th year.

Pete Harris and Frank Stetar return to coordinate the orchestra. Other faculty members helping with the show are Arlene Amata (publishing coordinator), Claudia Bennett (house coordinator), Monica Loskey (dance consultant), Liz Patterson (special assignments) and Rob Ruddle (set construction).

Costumer Barb Gismondi returns to the California company for a 15th year. Kenneth Shinsky is assisting with the building of sets for his ninth year.

Renee Hajdu returns to her long-standing post as accompanist. Four-year veteran Bobbi Hixon returns as hairdresser, and Bill Bennett once again joins the company as acting coach.