Guys and Dolls at El Cerrito High School Performing Arts Theater

YMTC (Youth Musical Theater Company) opens its 13th season with the celebrated musical comedy, Guys and Dolls. Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, it tells the story of gambler Nathan Detroit, his long-time girlfriend Adelaide, fellow gambler Sky Masterson, and strait-laced missionary Sarah Brown. The show moves from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, and even into the sewers of New York City. But eventually everyone ends up right where they belong. Frank Loesser’s bold, brassy songs light up this hilarious romp, populated by memorable characters with hearts of gold. Guys and Dolls opens Saturday, November 4, at El Cerrito High School Performing Arts Theater, 540 Ashbury Avenue, El Cerrito, and runs for two weekends. Performances include three matinees at 2:00 p.m. on 11/5, 11/11, and 11/12 and three evening performances at 7:30 p.m. on 11/4, 11/10, and 11/11. Tickets are available online at www.ymtcbayarea.org or at the door one hour before curtain. Subscriptions to all four shows in YMTC’s 13th season at the El Cerrito High School Performing Arts Theater can also be purchased online. In addition to Guys and Dolls, the season includes A Chorus Line, Next to Normal, and Parade. Guys and Dolls features a cast of 28 performing arts students (ages 13 to 20) from cities throughout the Bay Area, led by a team of professional directors, designers, and musicians. This production features a live, 24-piece orchestra playing the original orchestrations of George Bassman and Ted Royal. The music and lyrics were written by Frank Loesser, and the book is by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows.