'Guys and Dolls' opens at North Central College
Brian Lynch sits in his office at North Central College beneath a black-and-white image of Gene Kelly from the film “Singin' in the Rain.”
The iconic image is appropriate as Lynch's cast prepares for the opening night of a dance-heavy, athletic production of the American classic “Guys and Dolls” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, in Pfeiffer Hall. Like Kelly, Lynch says he draws on his “jock” background to infuse his choreography with strength and power.
That choreography has tested North Central cast members, some with little dance training.
“I push them as far as they can go,” Lynch, the director, said. He admits he has taught students steps they “have no business doing.”
The female lead, senior Lauren Smith, said dancers will perform challenging back tucks and switch leaps as part of Lynch's routines.
“He doesn't take it easy,” she said.
Lynch also is pushing the guys in the cast to display strength.
“You can soar,” Lynch said. “You can stay up in the air for seconds.”
Demonstrating all that is a bit of a challenge this time around for Lynch. Fresh off hip replacement surgery in July, he's had to rely heavily on his assistant since rehearsals began in early September.
“It kills me to go to demonstrate a step and I can't,” Lynch said.
None of which stops him from pushing his student actors with an eye toward producing well-rounded performers who aren't afraid to tackle a variety of theatrical genres.
“I don't just do Rodgers and Hammerstein,” Lynch said.
“Guys and Dolls” is a musical about Big Apple gambling in the 1950s and an unlikely love story between missionary Sarah Brown and gambler Sky Masterson.
As director, Lynch gets a front-row view of the moment when cast members embrace the colorful characters and his choreography, and the show really begins to take shape.
“You can see it in their eyes when they're enjoying what they're doing,” Lynch said.
And when the curtain ultimately falls, Lynch stands backstage and watches his cast's family, friends and peers.
“They're gushing over them for having accomplished something,” he said.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Performances also are slated for 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4 and 5, as well as Saturday, Nov. 12. The show begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, and at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9.
If you go
What: North Central College production of “Guys and Dolls”
When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3-5, 12; 2 p.m. Nov. 6; 8 p.m. Nov. 9
Where: Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville
Cost: $15 for adults; $10 for students and seniors
Info: 630-637-SHOW or http://tickets.noctrl.edu/.