From the Faculty Directors:
Wow! What a year... Last year we went small and modern with "Godspell," so, this year we decided to flip that upside down and do something different, a CLASSIC!!! And what a classic it is! I'm often asked by our students what is the point of "Guys and Dolls?" And I think the answer boils down to this... The dolls may desire their guys, but they certainly do not need them, they choose them.
It is a timeless tale that owes its longevity not only to its multitude of memorable characters and hummable tunes, but also to its enduring themes of ambition, savvy and self-made luck. We've certainly lucked out here at Byron Nelson because of our incredibly talented students. Everything from the direction, to the set design, to the choreography to the lights have been crafted and molded by not only the staff, but our incredible students. So, we hope you enjoy the product of all of that talent and may luck be your lady tonight!
PS. To the Cast and Crew, thanks for checking one of my "bucket list" shows off of the list and making my dreams come true. I'm forever grateful!!!!
----Ms. Bramlett
Director
Hey yous guys. It’s time to roll the dice!
Welcome to the world of Guys and Dolls. There’s much that could be said about our process for this show, but I have to start off by saying this ranks right up there as one of the best experiences I’ve had leading students in my 21 years as an educator. I feel like we keep ringing this bell, but all the set pieces you’re going to see tonight are student designed and executed, with me providing technical support and another set of hands to cut foam and paint. Our set designer, Ella Nagengast has proven to be the real MVP for our set design and construction crew. She’s such a rare gem of poise, precision, and passion as she works with her peers in these ventures. I’m so glad we’ll be graced with her presence one more year!
ALL of our technical students have been so amazing this year. I don’t know if the challenges of last year: remote learning, masks, social distancing has made our students more open to connection and collaboration, but this team is certainly hitting on all pistons and working very well together. I’m so proud of everything we’ve accomplished, not only with this show, but with the 2021-2022 Season in general. At a time when so many educators are struggling with the expectations of our profession during a pandemic, I’m having one of my best years EVER, thanks to these students.
Of course, I would be remiss if I did not thank my wife of 30 years, Christy. At least twice a year, she completely loses me for about a month, and our interactions are reduced to an in-person “good morning,” and a day full of texts or brief phone conversations, with me often returning home well after she calls it a day. I don’t know where, or who, I’d be without her.
----James Hammer
Technical Director
