Stanmore Guys and Dolls—the experience of a Nick Fitzsimmons and Ensemble perform “Luck be a Lady”. Photo: Chris Hayles It was a highlight of Newington’s 2018 calendar—the musical Guys and Dolls, featuring more than 120 student actors, crew and musicians supported by dedicated staff. Directed by the College’s Head of Drama friends. Everyone who saw it seemed to think it is your thing, you never know Tamara Smith, Guys and Dolls is set in enjoy it as much as we did. I had a until you try it. – Justin Raja (12/JN), 1950s New York and tells the story of a friend who came on the first night and Ensemble group of gamblers trying to set up an immediately booked a ticket for the next. Performing on stage at NIDA is truly a illegal crap game, their showgirl “dolls” – Nelson Crossley (12/PR), Ensemble once-in-a-lifetime experience that and the straight-laced missionaries I was honoured to be chosen, along with everybody should give a go. trying to save their souls. It played to six other boys, to take part in the – Luke Codevelle (12/ME), Ensemble packed audiences for three nights at Havana dance. It allowed boys who may NIDA’s Parade Theatre, showcasing the have not been centre stage to come Being in the pit orchestra was an incredible talents of Newington boys and forward, learn new skills and develop incredible experience that not many female cast members from Meriden, confidence. Performing with people you school kids my age get to participate in. Burwood Girls High School, PLC Sydney, have formed a bond with is truly special. It gave me insight into a musical Santa Sabina, MLC and SCEGGS. – Tom Rogers (10/MO), Ensemble experience normally reserved for What was our boys’ experience? As someone who had never been professional musicians. – Daniel Someone said to me, "If you don’t go to involved in the Drama or Music program, Baykitch (12/MA), Orchestra see the musical, you’ll regret it and if I never thought that I would enjoy myself It was awesome watching the leads you do go to see it, you’ll wish you were as much as I did. It made me regret not perform to perfection and seeing part of it." The production was so getting involved in the creative arts everyone having so much fun. All the inclusive and I have made many new when I was younger. Even if you don’t hard work paid off, and it taught me to 10| NEWS AUTUMN 2018| OPPORTUNITY