dual personalities

But there is room for doubt
At times you have a very unladylike way of running out!

Oh I do love Guys and Dolls. All this talk of the lottery and mega-millions reminded me of the classic Frank Loesser show. I have seen it many, many times–it is a perennial favorite in high schools and college (I even tried out for a production at Williams College in 1977!)–but I particularly love those Kirkwood productions that the boy was in–twice: in seventh grade and as a junior in high school–both times playing the ever-popular Benny Southstreet!

Here he is with Nicely-Nicely Johnson: What’s in the daily news? I’ll tell you what’s in the daily news. Story about a guy who bought his wife a small ruby with what otherwise would have been his union dues. That’s what’s in the daily news.

And here he is basking in the after-show glow of middle school stardom.

I was unable to find any pictures from the Kirkwood HS production. Darn it. “I plead the fifth commandment.”

I also always loved the 1955 movie of Guys and Dolls with Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra. I mean, Marlon Brando singing? Irresistible! Johnny Silver played Benny Southstreet and he was pretty good. But the boy–he had that special “je ne sais quoi”. At least his mother thinks so.