The J*Company Youth Theatre and the San Diego Center for Jewish culture are opening Broadway to San Diego’s young guys and dolls. The youth-oriented theater group will be presenting an original youth production of Damon Runyon’s classic musical, “Guys and Dolls,” as the headline production for its current season
The Youth Theatre is dedicated to supporting young performers by placing them in a professional environment that allows them to develop their art. The upcoming production supports a cast of San Diego teens from 14 to 19 years old and music performed live by a number of high school musicians and members of the San Diego Youth Symphony.
“I moved here from New York City about three years ago and have seen a lot of theater and it amazes me,” said Joey Landwehr, J*Company artistic director. “Every time I go to see a youth production, whether it’s at the J or elsewhere, I’m always amazed by the talent of these youth.”
Rayme Sciaroni, the production’s director, has done a great deal of musical directing for the J*Company in past seasons. He has also directed a number of off-Broadway shows as well as a number of large children’s productions.
“He’s really amazing with the kids “¦ This is his first time with us doing the whole kit and kaboodle,” Landwehr said of Sciaroni. “He’s directing, choreographing and music directing ” he’s quite incredible.”
“Guys and Dolls” will be performed from March 3 to 19 in the David and Dorothea Garfield Theater at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Drive in La Jolla. For schedules and ticket information, visit www.lfjcc.org or call (858) 362-1348.
After “Guys and Dolls” closes, the J*Company will present “Rumpelstiltskin Is My Name.” Auditions for this show will be held March 21 and 22, and are open to ages 7 to 13. For audition information or to register for the pre-audition workshop, call (858) 362-1155. n