Long Beach Playhouse Opens GUYS AND DOLLS

Long Beach Playhouse closes its Mainstage season with Guys and Dolls, a musical based on the stories of Damon Runyon. Written in the 1920s and '30s, the stories told of New York's notorious gangsters, gamblers, and other characters populating its underworld.

"We're very excited about this production," said Playhouse Executive Director, Madison Mooney. "It premiered in 1950 and won the Tony for Best Musical. The original production ran for 1200 performances and every revival for the past 67 years has won awards. Clearly it's a show with a lot of audience appeal."

Set in a mythical version of New York City, Guys and Dolls is a fast-paced, oddball romantic comedy. The story centers around characters with names like Nathan Detroit, Sky Masterson, Nicely-Nicely Johnson, Harry the Horse and Bennie Southstreet. Then there are the women. The Bible-quoting missionary Sarah Brown, bent on saving souls and Adelaide, a Hot Box showgirl with a heart of gold. The play takes us from hustle of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City. Eventually everyone ends up right where they belong.

"I love the Guys and Dolls script," said Artistic Director, Sean Gray. "It's clever and quick. Runyon's use of language runs from street slang to highly formal sentences. For those who enjoy clever wordplay with overtones of social commentary, this is their show."

Set in the 1950s, the show also offers plenty of opportunity for Donna Fritsche to shine with costumes that rival a professional theater. And Larry Mura's set design will be the backdrop in which the magic takes place.

The show's director is Gregory Cohen and his wife, Kysa, is its choreographer. This is Greg's 27th time to direct a show at the Playhouse, but his most recent engagement was as a cast member in Don't Dress for Dinner. Recently retired from teaching dance and drama, this is Kysa's fifth time choreographing for the Playhouse. Her previous shows include Jesus Christ Superstar on the Mainstage and Batboy in the Studio.
The 19-member cast is a mix of newcomers to the Playhouse and returning performers.

Making their Playhouse debuts are John Carrol, Andrew Knifer, Cisco Morales, Cody Michael Perry, Alexis Cueva, Mary Frances Conover and Jeseka Luna. Returning actors are Andrea Pincus, Rick Reischman, Russell Montooth, Tyler Gray, Hunter Ryti, Steve Shane, Robert Amberg, Jack Murphey, Lisa J. Salas, and Carole Louise Duffs.

The show opens July 1 and runs through August 5. SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THIS PLAY:

• Pay what you can Thursday June 29 - community can see this production for whatever they can afford
• Two for One Preview Friday June 30 - Tickets are $10.00
• Opening Night Champagne Reception with cast on July 1 - Tickets are $27.00

Ticket Pricing:
Friday: Adults are $20.00, Seniors $18.00, and Students $14.00Saturday and Sunday: Adults are $24.00, Seniors $21.00, and Students $14.00.

Tickets are available at www.lbplayhouse.org, or by calling 562-494-1014, option 1.
To request an interview with the director, cast members or reserve your media tickets to this performance, please send an email to: pr@lbplayhouse.org.

Long Beach Playhouse is located at 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA, 90804, right across from the Long Beach Recreation golf course. The Playhouse is community-supported theatre with programs and events that cut across age, gender, ethnic, and cultural boundaries.

Performances are 8 p.m. Friday, and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The box office is open Wednesday-Saturday from 3:00-8:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00-2:00 pm on scheduled matinees. Promotional Design: Daisy Ramirez.

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