After two months of rehearsals, the cast of Potomac Theatre Company’s upcoming musical production of Guys & Dolls enjoys a cohesiveness and friendship drawn from their many hours together.
It is that camaraderie that makes its youngest member, Bullis sophomore Bernadette Tyra, feel thoroughly at home.
“I had never done community theatre before and expected to be treated like a little kid,” said Tyra. “But they look at me as just another performer.”
There are 23 cast members and 12 orchestra members in Potomac Theatre Company’s first major musical to be performed in Bullis School’s new Blair Family Center for the Arts. Co-producers John and Marilyn Shockey are the backbone of the production, steering it to opening night on Nov. 22.
“With the new stage and orchestra pit, 'Guys & Dolls' is an ideal beginning,” Shockey said. “We are looking forward to welcoming the community to an exciting season.”
When the search for actors and singers began, director Ron Sarro included the Bullis School in his casting call.
“We were looking to try to reach out to the Bullis community and Bernadette is the one who took advantage of this,” said Sarro. As talented as she is, she will learn from this cast, of whom many are professionals.
Tyra took up dancing as a three-year-old and has not let up since.
“I never had any other goals but musical theater,” said the honor student and varsity cheerleader.
She studies jazz, tap and modern dance at the Musical Theatre Center in Rockville and also belongs to “Young Americans of Washington,” a professional performing ensemble with appearances in settings ranging from nursing homes to the White House. Tyra receives community service hours for her participation.
“I get to be around the best kids in the area so it is a wonderful way to get experience while in school,” said Tyra.