Young guys and dolls go on

Marisa O’Neil

Guys, dolls and some little folks are putting on a Broadway classic

this weekend.

A cast of 45, ages 7 to 21, are performing “Guys and Dolls” with

the Newport Beach Theater Co. The local nonprofit company teaches

children the ropes of play production from starring roles to

behind-the-scenes action.

“There’s only one adult in the production, a guy who’s working the

sound board,” said Peter Smith, the company’s president. “Our stage

manager is 16 years old, but you’d think she’s been in the business

for 25 years.”

The company has struggled to find a home and identity since it was

formed in 2001. Right now, they’re in the process of trying to get

grants to expand and do outreach programs with local schools, Smith

said.

Without a permanent venue, they’ve done their shows at Lincoln

Elementary School, but had a tough time drawing the attention and

crowds they’d like, Smith said. And that’s too bad, he said, because

people are missing out on quality productions with talented

performers.

“We want kids to get an introduction to the stage in an

environment where they have pretty much the full theatrical

experience with professional lighting and sound,” he said.

Students come from all over the county to participate in the

roughly three productions each year. Some, like 15-year-old Lauren

Gerenraich, attend the Orange County High School for the Arts. Others

audition with no previous experience.

“A lot of the kids have so much talent,” Lauren said of the show.

“Even if it’s a matter of they’re just born with it or they’ve

developed their skills going to [the Orange County School for the

Arts].”

Linda and Michael Safran founded the company when the theater bug

bit their oldest daughter after a sixth-grade play at Lincoln

Elementary School. They chased around Orange County looking for

community productions before deciding to start one in Newport Beach.

“It’s so important for every child to find what their passion in

life is, even if it changes,” Linda Safran said.

Students audition for each production and practice anywhere from

two to four times a week. Those who don’t perform in the lead roles

or even the chorus still have the opportunity to take part in the

set-building, lighting and other technical aspects.

The current production includes a musical introduction from

younger cast members, some drawn in by their older siblings.

“It’s great when you walk into the green room and see a 6-year-old

sitting on the lap of a 16-year-old,” Linda Safran said.

Smith said the next production, slated for the fall, will be

geared for a younger cast.

“It’s exciting to see such young people wanting to do this,”

Lauren said. “I thought I was young, and here there’s 8-year-olds

singing.”

* MARISA O’NEIL covers education. She may be reached at (949)

574-4268 or by e-mail at marisa.oneil@latimes.com.