Meet the Cast of Guys and Dolls: Cooper Kaminsky
Introduce yourself! What role do you play within the cast/creative team, where have audiences seen you recently, and where can they find you next?
Hey there! I’m Cooper Kaminsky and I’m playing Benny Southstreet. I recently played Sweeney in Sweeney Todd last summer at Conifer’s Stagedoor Theatre, and understudied at Lonetree Arts last fall as Jerry Lee Lewis and Sam Phillips in Million Dollar Quartet.
What is your favorite aspect of your role?
I love that I get to balance comedy with some of the most classic Broadway songs ever written. It’s so fun being able to pop in, offer some comic relief, and then sing perfect harmony with these fellas!
What is your first memory of experiencing Guys and Dolls, and how has your perspective on the show evolved since working on this production?
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a part of the Rat Pack soo bad. I looked up to the classic mid century crooners, so my first interaction with the material was probably through the voices of Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. I think my biggest perspective shift on this show has been realizing that it is SUCH an ensemble piece, which is so exciting and energizing.
Which song, scene, or moment in our production do you find most meaningful, and what makes it special to you?
To be honest, it’s such a gift to be in a room full of immense talent. Everyone working on this show is a POWERHOUSE, so it’s impactful and meaningful to have the privilege of sharing the stages with these bonafide artists.
What's something unexpected you've discovered about your character/role/work during the rehearsal process?
I’m discovering that we’re all paying attention to each other and mining each scene carefully for comedy, so I love when unexpected things happen during our playtime in rehearsal.
Quick! You are tasked with renaming a race horse--what name do you pick and why?
Little Caesar! Idk… I’m hungry!
How has collaboration with other members of the company influenced your approach to your work on this show?
Being able to play off each other and make discoveries together is just so fun and joyous.
How does this production of Guys and Dolls differ from other productions you've worked on or seen?
I LOVE that the women in this story feel more empowered in our production. Sarah, Adelaide, and even female presenting ensemble characters are the ones with the smarts, while all of these ruffians and gamblers act like fools!
What's one thing you hope audiences take away from our production?
I hope they put some bread on my dice and take home some winnings!