Green River Star -

Western Wyoming Community College's Performing Arts Department presents "Promises, Promises" at Western's theater Nov. 16, 17, 29, 30 and Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee performance on Dec. 1 at 2 p.m.

"Promises, Promises" is the story of a young insurance executive and a romantically troubled waitress, caught up in a jumble of corporate antics and affairs.

Based on the Oscar-winning film "The Apartment" by Billy Wilder, "Promises, Promises," is a masterpiece of complex characters and memorable musical numbers.

Chuck Baxter is desperate to become a senior executive at the insurance company where he works.

It seems the only way he can achieve this is by getting in the good graces of the other senior executives and more importantly, his personnel manager Mr. Sheldrake.

He starts to lend out his spacious, upscale apartment for the evening to his fellow executives for their extramarital trysts and in return, slowly makes his way up the corporate ladder.

Chuck soon learns that his own romantic interest is taking part in these rendezvous with the man who holds his fate in their hands, Mr. Sheldrake.

Deelynn Miller, a second year musical theatre student from Evanston is excited to work on the show with such an amazing, hard-working cast who is eager to create the best show they can.

"I've loved being able to work off so many personalities. Everyone brings something different to the table with their characters, and it's so much fun to watch them play and interact with one another," Miller said.

"I've been able to find ways to find my own voice within the character and express that in my own way," he said. "I've been able to relate to Chuck's heart, and how he cares so much for others."

Trinity Gillett, a second year musical theatre student from West Valley City, Utah, has found real meaning with the show.

"My favorite part in the show is when Fran asks Chuck, 'Why do people have to love people?' and he replies, 'We just don't know any better, I guess,'" Gillett said.

Through the rehearsal process, Gillett has been able to connect with Fran.

"Fran is a very layered character. You really have to understand the intentions of a character and try to see the world through their eyes to be able to connect fully," Gillett said. I really resonate with her resilience, humor and grace."

Stephen Cramer, Visiting Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre is excited to be directing his first show at Western. Cramer has loved delving into the themes this show presents.

"I've enjoyed doing the research, and the more I'm discovering what was happening in the 60s, the more I'm realizing how this show closely parallels what the country was going through at that time," Cramer said.

Cramer believes this show has many themes one being how traditional values are torn away.

"This show is deep, but I think it's relevant to what's going on today," Cramer said.

"The story line can be incredibly serious, but the characters are survivors. Sometimes when we are at our low point, we deal with it through joking, and this show reflects how we deal with our issues with humor," he said.

Children under five are not permitted to the evening performances; however, they are welcome to attend the Saturday matinee.

This show is rated PG-13 for content relating to adult situations. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children, students and seniors.

For questions and tickets, please visit Western's App Mustang Connections (www.westernwyoming.edu/app), or call the Performing Arts Office at (307) 382-1721, or visit wwcc.tix.com.