Jan 29, 2004

Almaden actors featured in “Guys & Dolls”

Almaden residents Tristan Crisol, Unnur Eggertsdottir, Alyssa Jepsky, Erik Johnson and Nicole Zambito are featured actors in Children’s Musical Theater San Jose’s production of “Guys & Dolls” Feb. 26-29 at the Montgomery Theater in downtown San Jose (corner of Market and San Carlos streets). Tickets are $15 for adults and $11 for children 12 and under, and are now on sale to the public.

Crisol is gambler Sky Masterson, who takes a bet that he can win the heart of a straight-laced Salvation Army gal. Eggertdottir is cast as gambler and aspiring comedian Nicely Nicely Johnson. Jepsky is Big Jule, a powerful gambler, while Johnson is Jule’s sidekick. Zambito is the heroine’s grandmother. Other Almaden residents appearing in the production in supporting roles are: Kyle Bajtos, Brooke Beytin, Jennifer Clift, Adam Fulton, Megan Haley, Shannon Haley, Julia Johnson, Eric Ortegon, Melissa Tenorio and Catherine Walker.

“Guys & Dolls,” which some critics say is one of the best musical comedies ever written, offers young performers and family audiences a great introduction to the art of musical theater. The show features many catchy songs, including "Luck Be a Lady," "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat," "I've Never Been in Love Before" and "Bushel and A Peck."

CMT’s production is directed by Doug Santana, with choreography by Shannon Self and vocal and musical direction by Matt Hohensee. It features a large cast of young performers ages 8-13, bringing to life 1930s-era Times Square with a variety of fun characters including colorful gamblers, sober Salvation Army congregants, dazzling socialites and the busy New York Police Department.

Despite their youth, Santana said, the cast is using the original, full-length Broadway script and score, instead of an abridged version. In mastering such challenging material, the performers see tremendous growth not only in their performing skills, but also in development of personal discipline and teamwork.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the CMTSJ Web site at www.cmtsj.org. Or phone the CMT Box Office at (408) 288-5437. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the CMT Box Office, 1401 Parkmoor Ave. (at Meridian), San Jose, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. or at the Montgomery Theater one hour prior to performances.