Returning to the stage for the first time in three years, Phoenix Youth Theatre’s upcoming show Guys & Dolls will also mark the final performance for two of the play’s leads – Hollie Rafferty and Leo Rataj.
Based on the 1955 musical comedy starring Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra, Guys & Dolls tells the story of a gambler who is challenged to take a female missionary to Havana, falling in love with her along the way.
The film and the play of the same name follows two couples – one of which is played by Hollie and Leo.
“I play Miss Adelaide – she’s a head showgirl in a nightclub,” said Hollie.
“She’s a bit like a ‘dumb blonde’ but she’s really loveable.
“Her fiance – who is played by Leo – still hasn’t married her after being together for 14 years.”
“And I play a sleazy guy named Nathan Detroit who runs a crap game,” said Leo.
“I’m so obsessed with it, I give very little time to Adelaide which annoys her but it creates a bit of comedy.”
Funny moments, great music and fabulous costumes
But it’s not just comedic moments and great song numbers that theatre-goers can anticipate.
Catching up with the P&J after their dress rehearsal, Hollie told us her character’s costumes are “something else”.
“I have five costumes, ” said the young actress.
“The first costume I have on is a jumpsuit with watermelons on it.
“Then I have two day-time outfits, clothes for the nightclub dance scenes…
“I’m a brunette so I also have to wear a short blond wig – it definitely helps me get into character because Adelaide is a ditzy loveable blonde.”
“I only have one costume, thankfully, so it isn’t so stressful,” laughed Leo.
Final performance for Phoenix Youth Theatre
Hollie, who joined the Phoenix Youth Theatre when she was in P6, and Leo, who started acting when he was 11, are really looking forward to taking to the Aberdeen Arts Centre stage in a few days.
The local theatre group started rehearsing in March – more than three months before their opening night on Wednesday June 22.
Leo said: “I’m a little bit nervous because it’s been quite a while (since the last live performance) but I’m definitely looking forward to it (the premiere).
“Our directors are two brilliant ladies Liz Milne BEM and Clare Haggart BEM who’ve been doing it for tens and tens of years (they established Phoenix Theatre in 1990).
“They’ve been my directors since I joined. They make it such a good laugh – they’re just brilliant.”
Pursuing acting career
While Guys & Dolls will mark the young actors’ final performance as part of Phoenix Youth Theatre, they both plan to pursue acting in the future.
Hollie said: “It’s my last performance with Phoenix Youth and my last performance with Phoenix for a while because I’m going off to university in Edinburgh.
“I’m going to study drama and there’s a musical society so I’m hoping to join that so I can keep on doing what I love.”
Leo said: “I’m going abroad for a year so I won’t be able to take part in the next show.
“But who knows, I might be part of the adult group when I come back.
“When I’m back from my gap year, I’ll be looking to do something involved with the arts.”
The duo are certain the show can be enjoyed by all theatre fans.
“It’s got a little bit of everything, doesn’t it?” said Leo.
“Yes,” agreed Hollie. “There’s romance, you’ve got dance numbers…”
“And there’s the comedy side of it – it’s going to be a good night out,” concluded Leo.
How to book tickets to see Guys & Dolls at Aberdeen Arts Centre
Guys & Dolls is at Aberdeen Arts Centre from Wednesday June 22 to Saturday June 25. Tickets can be purchased here.
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