Tickets on sale for Whole Backstage's production of 'Guys and Dolls'
The Whole Backstage Community Theatre in Guntersville, with season sponsor Sonny Lewis, will present Frank Loesser’s “Guys and Dolls,” directed by Johnny Brewer, as its summer musical
Performances are slated for 7 p.m. June 17-18 and 23-25 and 2 p.m. June 19 and 26.
Brewer says he’s more excited about this production than any he’s directed in a long time, adding that the cast and production team “is a select group of the brightest and most talented folks in our area.”
He cited choreographer Stephanie Braly-Beautier, a newcomer to the production team, who he said “is bringing our dance performance to new levels. “
Brewer added, “Our dancers are ‘stepping up’ to challenges and showing tremendous energy, advanced skills and enthusiasm onstage.”
“Guys and Dolls” is an oddball romantic comedy considered by many critics and theatergoers as the perfect musical.
It soars with the spirit of Broadway as it introduces a cast of vivid characters who have evolved into legends: Sarah Brown, the upright and uptight "mission doll" out to reform the evil-doers of New York’s Midtown; Sky Masterson, the slick, high-rolling gambler who woos Sarah on a bet for a dinner date to Cuba, and ends up falling in love; Miss Adelaide, the chronically ill nightclub performer whose condition is brought on by the fact that she's been engaged to the same man for 14 years; and Nathan Detroit, her devoted fiancé who just cannot commit to marriage, and a good-hearted gambler always desperate to find a spot for his infamous floating crap game.
“Guys and Dolls” features one of the greatest scores written for a musical, by Frank Loesser; and a masterfully witty book and lyrics by Joe Swerling and comedy legend Abe Burrows, It showcases standards such as “Luck Be a Lady,” “Adelaide’s Lament,” “My Time of Day” and “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” A 1953 film version starred Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, Frank Sinatra and Vivian Blaine.
“Guys and Dolls” is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International.
The cast includes talented performers from Marshall, DeKalb, Jackson, Etowah, Morgan and Madison counties.
Patron membership tickets may be purchased at any time for performances of “Guys and Dolls.”
General admission tickets are on sale and are $20 for adults, $18 for senior adults and $12 for students.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call 256-582-7469; visit the theater office at 1120 Rayburn Ave./Dot Moore Way during business hours (9 p.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays); or visit www.wholebackstage.com or www.facebook.com/wholebackstage.
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Theater group sets summer production
