Question about Sarah, from Guys & Dolls?

Question

Hey, I was wondering if, from my appearance, I could play Sarah in the HS production of Guys and Dolls. This isn't about acting, just about appearance.

I'm about 5'3'', which is kind of short, and on top of that, I'm Korean, and Sarah is traditionally white...lol... I'm also wondering how old Sarah is supposed to look. I'm told I can look 18 with enough make-up and with heels.

Here's some pictures for further reference:

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/7302/n605224364801829735iq8.jpg

This was taken a few months ago. Gives an idea of my build. Kind of a crappy picture of me but whatever. In this one I have longer hair than I do now-- right now it's just past my collarbone.

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/7827/n132429520715646608827dx7.jpg

This is just another head shot, taken around the same time as the previous one.

Thanks for the help, and please give me an honest answer!

Answer 1

I've been part of five different "Guys and Dolls" productions, and  the one thing all the Sarahs had in common was...they could act and sing the part!

Sarah Brown is supposed to be from Boston in the show, but she could certainly have as wide a variety of looks as there are Americans.  She is very prim and proper, and will likely have her hair up in a bun and wear flats or low heels, so height and hair isn't an issue - she just needs to look conservative and very proper most of the show.  

A little may depend on who your director casts as Sky Masterson, because he/she wants to find a pair of actors who work together well and can make the relationship believeable. If Sky is VERY tall, like 6'8'' or so, you might have a bit of a problem, because directors often use large height differences for comic effect...and that's not what you're going for with your romantic leads.

Otherwise, you should have just as good a shot as anyone else at the role. As long as the script doesn't specifically call for a particular look or ethnicity - and this one doesn't - and it isn't important to the plot - and it isn't in G&D - traditions were made to be broken :)