Germantown Academy’s Middle School performed the famous Broadway musical “Guys & Dolls” to two sold-out audiences this winter. From a vintage-style set and costumes to backstage camaraderie and big musical numbers, the experience was one these students won’t soon forget. Here’s what some members of the cast said about what it was like to bring this classic show to life. 

What motivated you to audition for the show? 
Sam R. ’31 - Sky Masterson – “I auditioned for the show because I knew how exciting the music is. I also wanted to express myself on stage in front of an audience.”  

Danny R. ’30 - Big Jule/Gambler – “I've always wanted to be in a show but was too scared. Since it was my last year in middle school, I thought, ‘Why not?’” 

What was it like to play your character? 
Grace V. ’30 - Sarah Brown – “Playing Sarah Brown was the best time ever. I got to sing songs that I immediately fell in love with, and I also had a lot of lines, which was a great experience. Sarah is the lead, so that felt really special.” 

Elyse G. ’30 - Benny Southstreet – “Being Benny Southstreet was such an exciting experience. It wasn't like any other character I've played before. He is a comedic character and playing someone like that was so much fun. Although I played a man (which I was a little nervous about in the beginning), it was overall such a great role where I got to be funny and dance with my friends on stage!” 

What was it like being backstage? 
Elyse- “Being backstage is so much fun. There was so much kindness. The first few weeks of 'Guys & Dolls' were mostly just practice, practice, practice. Once we moved our rehearsals to the Arts Center theatre, it all came alive. The energy backstage was so energetic and fun. Mostly, it was my friends and I dancing in the wings.” 

Sam- “Being backstage and around people who support you is an amazing experience and feeling. It was so much fun to hear the music right up close and getting ready to go on.” 

Grace- “Being backstage made me think deeply about how important it is to not only appreciate the friends you have already, but also how easy it is to make new ones when you support each other.” 

What was the best part of being in "Guys & Dolls?"   
Elyse- “The best part of being in a show is honestly being able to perform on stage in front of everyone. I love live theater so much because of the adrenaline you get before going on stage. It's scary but exciting at the same time.” 

Sam- “I liked learning the character of Sky Masterson and making new friends. Sky Masterson is a high roller and learning how to act like that was one of the best experiences of my life. Making new friends also helped me step outside my comfort zone.” 

Danny- “Hanging out with my friends and being backstage was the best part.” 

Grace- “I got to be a lead in my last year of Middle School. It gave me the chance to show how hard I’ve been working, rolled into just one role. It was really special for me.” 

Would you be in a show again? 
Sam- “I would love to be in a show again, and I would love to do this show with this same cast over and over! I will miss all of this so much.” 

Danny- “YES!!!” 

Elyse- “I 100% would be in a show again. 'Guys & Dolls' was my last Middle School performance, and although that is VERY sad to say, I'm extremely excited to be able to do Upper School Belfry shows! I'm very grateful for the experience, and am especially thankful for my director, Mrs. (Joanna) Rominger. She really inspired a love for theater in me! If it weren't for her, I don't think I would have the same passion for theater that I do now.”  

Look out, Upper School Belfry Theatre Club, there are some very interested middle schoolers coming your way!