by Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

NNSL (Apr 24/98) - Christopher Foreman knows how to shrug off the weariness brought on by the North's longest season.

"This town, after a long winter, loves a big, bouncy musical," says Foreman, the director of the city's newest stab at theatre, Guys and Dolls.

"I just wanted sheer fun. Last year we did one that dealt with big themes like redemption and salvation. This year, no one dies, no one goes to heaven. The more comedy there is, the more they seem to like it," says Foreman who so far, has the Yellowknife theatre market cornered on flashy, musical productions.

"It's an opportunity to experience something that I think foremost, is unlike anything else they will have seen this year. The sheer magnitude of it -- you don't get a great big dance production like this," says Foreman.

He attributes the glamor and hopeful future success of his rendition of Guys and Dolls to the cast who came out to act for the 1950's broadway hit.

"I chose this one because I wanted to tap into the abundance of talent in this town. A number of people auditioned and the script is just plain fun to work on."

Foreman says that more than 90 people auditioned and that everyone who tried out was given a part. He says that his numbers have now dropped off to somewhere around 70 on stage and dozens backstage including the orchestra, the costume and make-up and hair people, the set designers and the stage crew.

The veteran director and actor says the high numbers are directly related to this year's fantastic theatre season in Yellowknife.

"It's a cyclical thing and the pendulum swings back to a lot of people who want to be involved in the performing arts."

Born and raised acting in musicals in Yellowknife, Foreman says his latest project wouldn't have been possible without the assistance of some of the city's businesses.

"I didn't want to do something that required vast resources. This one is about $25 grand all told. This community is notorious in its generosity. If they can't outright support it, then they make a donation in-kind," says Foreman.

When asked if he is nervous about the play's looming opening, Foreman simply replies, "We almost always do well because we're the only game in town in what we offer. The proof of the pudding is at the door."

Tickets for the show are on sale now at Sam the Record Man and from cast members. At $15 for non-members and $13 for NACC members, students and seniors, the tickets are a steal.