Photo Flash: Sneak Peek at Rehearsals of Flat Rock's GUYS AND DOLLS, Opening 7/25

 

The story came from sports columnist and short-story writer Damon Runyon, who was the shady poet laureate of the desperate residents of Times Square. His characters seemed perfectly suited to a colorful musical comedy. Frank Loesser's bright, brassy, immortal score takes us from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City. Funny and romantic, the story of Guys and Dolls is ideal for audiences of any age.

Jarrod Emick, who was last seen in The Playhouse's premiere production of It Happened One Christmas, plays high roller Sky Masterson. Emick won the Tony, Drama Desk and Theatre World Award for his portrayal of slugger Joe Hardy in the Broadway Revival of Damn Yankees. He will be back in Flat Rock this fall to play Scott Fitzgerald in Zelda. Garrett Long, who has appeared on Broadway in the new musical Bonnie and Clyde as well as the original cast of South Pacific and the Off-Broadway production of The Spitfire Grill, plays honest and upright Sarah Brown. Hustler Nathan Detroit is played by John Plumpis. This October John will appear as John Barrymore's prompter in the two-actor film Barrymore starring Christopher Plummer. The film premiered at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival, and he and Mr. Plummer previously toured the play across the US and Canada. Showgirl Adelaide is played by Lesley McKinnell who recently starred in the American Premier of Stephen Schwartz' new musical My Fairytale and was also featured in both the 1st and 2nd national tours of Wicked.

These four performers are joined by more fantastic singers and dancers, including Herschel Sparber whose standout roles include the role of Big Jule in Broadway's revival of Guys and Dolls with Nathan Lane and Faith Prince, and playing the President of the United Federation of Planets, Jaresh-Inyo, in multiple episodes of TV's Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The production also includes Playhouse favorites: Preston Dyar, Linda Edwards, Michael MacCauley, Michael Marotta, Stephen T. Ware, Brenna Yeary and the 2012 Apprentice Acting Company.

Directed by Vincent Marini, the creative team for this whimsical musical includes musical direction by George Wilkins, Jr.; choreography by Nick Keply (a YouTheatre alum, now Broadway dancer). With scenic design by Dennis C. Maulden, costume design by Janet Gray and lighting design by Stephen Terry.

Presented by First Citizens Bank, Guys and Dolls is a cornerstone of the musical comedy stage that continues to delight audiences over 60 years after its Broadway premiere. Tickets can be purchased, by calling The Playhouse box office at 828-693-0731, toll-free at 866-732-8008 or online at www.flatrockplayhouse.org. Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage is located at 2661 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock, NC.

 

Director Vincent Marini with Bethany Anderson, Carly Barnette, Katie Chung, Katie Hagen, Catharine Kay, Lesley McKinnell and Tessa Mossey from the Cast