Rotolo Middle School in Batavia is gearing up for a big show: the annual seventh and eighth-grade musical.

The school will present Guys and Dolls Junior at 8 p.m. this Friday, Jan. 27 and Saturday, Jan. 28. at the middle school, 1501 S. Raddant Road. There is also a 4 p.m. matinee show on Saturday. Door tickets are $5 for adults; $3 for students, children and senior citizens.

Guys and Dolls Junior is a part of The Broadway Junior Collection, based on a story and characters by Damon Runyon and the book by Jo Sweerling and Abe Burrows with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser. 

Kate Hillman is the Musical Director and Choreographer of this middle-school production.

"Bringing a classical musical these kids didn't know and adding their personalities and a new age sort of twist ... has made it a very interesting show," Hillman said.

Hillman said this show served more than one purpose.

"We do see a rise in male participation, so this production provides plenty of roles for the guys," she said. "They are getting a little history lesson along the way as they learn the accents, explore how life was back then and what their character would do in that time."

"They have been a wonderful group to work with—fun, great, talented kids—every step of the process has been an absolute joy and the kids have worked so hard," Director Sherry Poulos said. "I can't wait to show you much they have accomplished because they have accomplished a lot. "

The Rotolo seventh and eight graders have been rehearsing almost daily since early November.

About the Show

"Guys and Dolls" is described as "the perfect musical comedy" that first opened on Broadway in New York in 1950. Without giving away the story, here are a few of the highlights of the show:

Sarah Brown (played by eighth grader Sara Heylmun) is a mission doll who is determined to rid this town of illegal gambling games and other activities that prevent the citizens of New York from "following the fold."

Sky Masterson (played by seventh grader Cam Tucker) is a high roller that made a bet with Nathan Detroit that he can "take any doll to Havana," and the chosen challenge happens to be a very unlikely target by the name of Sarah Brown. The outcome is a most unlikely one as well...

Miss Adelaide (played by seventh grader Maddy Kozar) is the main attraction at the Hot Box nightclub. She only aspires to live in a house with a white picket fence and a husband.

At one point in the show, Adelaide feels inspired to sing a very funny account of her feelings in "Adelaide's Lament," after a lover's quarrel with her fiance with whom she happens to be in a very long and grueling 14-year engagement with. 

Nathan Detroit (played by seventh grader Ian Samsami), Miss Adelaide's long-time fiance', can't seem to clean up his act. While he really is in love with Adelaide, there always seems to be an excuse for why they can't run off to have the wedding of Adelaide's dreams; perhaps that's because he's too busy with activities mission doll Sarah Brown is intent on shutting down.

"Bushel and a Peck" is a cute, catchy song and dance number that many will find familiar, showcasing the talents of Miss Adelaide and her lovable hot box girls.

"Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat" is a high-energy number that includes practically the entire cast, with a solo sung out very nicely, ironically enough by a fellow gambler, Nicely-Nicely played by seventh grader Ryan Taylor.

This fun-filled show, as with many classical Broadway musicals, is packed full of hilarious drama, romance, solos and dance numbers. A must see for the entire family! 

Show Info

Tickets are $3 for children, students and senior citizens and $5 for adults and will be available at the door. There will also be soft drinks, coffee and home-made treats on sale at intermission of which all proceeds will be donated to the junior-high theatre program.

Shows are at the Rotolo Middle School, located at 1501 South Raddant Road  Batavia, IL on Friday (January 27th) at 8 p.m., Saturday (January 28th) matinee at 4 p.m., and a final show on Saturday night at 8 p.m. 

Cast List

The huge cast list includes the following RMS talent:

Sky Masterson = Cam Tucker

Sarah Brown = Sarah Heylmun

Nathan Detroit = Ian Samsami

Miss Adelaide = Maddy Kozar

Nicely-Nicely = Ryan Taylor

Benny Southstreet = Kyle Berry

Rusty Charlie = Craig Rowland

Harry the Horse = Bryce Jonke

Big Jule = Joe Guritz

Angie the Ox = Justin Knautz

Lt. Brannigan = Ben Zinser

Arvide Abernathy = Hannah Gustin

General Cartwright = Emma Shepard

Mimi = Meghan Rocha

Martha = Amanda Johnson

Agatha = Maddie Watson

Calvin = Willian Bernardoni

Hot Box Girls:

Meghan Rocha, Lizzie Gagnon, Emily Dremel, Tekla Mach, Taylor Olmsted, Tori McKeehan, Cassidy Chadwell, Anna Clarey, Adi Alley, Ariane Omerza, Bridget Ball, Allison Gotfryd, Taylor Kettle

Mission Band Members:

Amanda Johnson, William Bernardoni, Maddi Watson, Nick Johnson, Tyler Signorelly, Emily Norris and Sophia Thompson

Dolls:

Chloe Summers

Marliese Balek

Devin Couturier

Hannah Bennington

Lauren Wencewicz

Daisy Bugarin

Guys:

Booby Martinez

Mikkel Knutson

Jason Sarik

Scott Lillig

Timmy Graham

Daniel Gotfryd

Andy Marchiori

Technical Director: Steve Poulos