Outside of drama teacher Jon Copeland‘s room, on Wednesday, Nov. 5, a mob of over 20 boys rehearsed a dance number for the upcoming musical, “Guys and Dolls”. With only two female lead roles, the show highlights male performers. The musical runs Nov. 9 – 14.

The change in role emphasis was a result of year’s past, according to senior Henry Hanson.

“In the last few years theatre has been a very girl heavy department so we’ve always had to do girl heavy shows,” Hanson said. “This year we have so many senior guys that Copeland decided that maybe a guy dominated musical would be best way to show off the talents of all the graduating men that are in the department this year.”

The large amount of male roles in the show proved beneficial for the theatre department, Hanson said.

“I think it encouraged a lot of guys that wouldn’t normally try out for the musicals that think there aren’t enough guy roles to get what they want to,” Hanson said. “Since there are so many guy roles it gives us guys opportunities we have never had.”

According to senior Mason Morrill, “Guys and Dolls” shows a different side of the actors.

“It shows the diversity of the guys through the different types of roles that they have to play and the different voice ranges and dance abilities or skill levels,” Morrill said. “It really shows how strong the guys of the theatre department are.”

Despite the benefits of a musical that focuses on guys, it has proved to have difficulties, according to Hanson.

“It’s harder for us to not talk as much backstage or stay in character. We sometimes miss cues,” Hanson said. “But the positives outweigh the negatives and it’s really cool  that we have this really interesting experience of a male dominated show before us senior guys graduate. It gives us a well rounded educational theatre upbringing.”