The unforgettable music of Frank Loesser brings to life Damon Runyon's brilliant fable of gamblers and nightclub performers, as the Salvation Army tries to deliver a message of redemption to a sinful population.
Director Michael Barnard is not only having fun playing with the scenic elements of the production but also with his casting as well.
Kristen Drathman, a favorite in the Phoenix arts community, will be playing Adelaide. Joining her on stage is another Valley of the Sun favorite, Sara Wolter as Sister Sarah. Arthur Marks leaves his home in New York once again this season to step into the character of Nathan Detroit with Jason Watson putting on his hat to play the suave and masterful, Sky Masterson. Rounding out the cast will be one of Arizona's favorite comedians Robbie Harper as Nicely Nicely; Beau Heckman as Benny Southstreet; Black Theatre Troupe's Artistic Director, David Hemphill as Big Jule and Dion Johnson as Brannigan who was recently seen on the Phoenix Theatre stage in the run-away January hit, Leading Ladies.
Barnard further explained the set to be "billboard"Â stylizings of the various locations within the story, which have been artfully designed by Richard Farlow. This concept allows the stage to be transformed from Havana to the mission to the sewers of New York in the blink of an eye and in a very creative way.
"The set alone is going to give this production a very different feel,"Â says Barnard. "Not only do the billboards create the physical space of each location, but the visuals on them evoke a feeling. For instance, the mission will be made up of posters and billboard ads of comfort food like soup or healing images like Band-Aids. Once the audience grabs hold of this concept, they're going to have a great time with the set."Â
Guys and Dolls is filled with some of the most memorable songs ever written for the stage including A Bushel and a Peck, Fugue for Tinhorns, Luck Be a Lady, the show stopping, Sit Down Your Rocking the Boat and If I Were a Bell which was a favorite of Miles Davis and featured in jazzy recordings with John Coltrane.
Ron Colvard is returning to Phoenix Theatre to musically direct the production. Robert Kolby Harper is serving as choreographer. -- www.phoenixtheatre.com
Posted February 14th, 2007 by ruzik_tuzik
