Dare to Defy brings ‘Guys and Dolls’ to theater
Gamblers, gangsters and lady luck factor into the mayhem and romance of composer Frank Loesser and librettists Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling’s classic 1950 musical comedy “Guys and Dolls,” which closes Dare to Defy Productions’ 2016-2017 season Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20 at the Victoria Theatre.
A charming fable based on Damon Runyon’s colorful ode to bygone New York City, “Guys and Dolls” is set in motion by Nathan Detroit, a desperate gambler in need of a venue to house his illegal craps game. Nathan turns to respected high roller Sky Masterson for help but places a crucial bet in doing so. Is Sky capable of taking any woman on a date to Havana, Cuba? When Nathan chooses strict, straight-laced Sarah Brown of the Save-A-Soul Mission, matters of the heart arise. As Sky and Sarah grow closer, Nathan and his longtime fiancé Miss Adelaide, a nightclub entertainer, come to terms with their lovingly rocky relationship.
“This show continues to resonate because of its believable characters, strong musical selections and Loesser’s (ability) to create individual, unique characters with very specific language that isn’t campy,” said Brian Hupp, a dynamic baritone mak- ing his Dayton perform- ing arts debut as Sky. He recently portrayed Le Dan- caire in Opera Columbus’ production of “Carmen” and left a particularly indelible impression last summer as El Gallo in Columbus’ Short North Stage’s superb Depression-era take on “The Fantasticks.” “The two cou- ples in ‘Guys and Dolls’ represent both extremes of the relationship gamut. During their 14-year engagement, Nathan and Adelaide have been through many ups and downs. They know their flaws but love each other anyway. Sky and Sarah, in a newly developed relationship, are in the realm of opposites attracting. They are both strong-minded and stubborn, but work well together b ecausetheyc hallengee ach other.”
“I think ‘Guys and Dolls’ is the perfect romantic comedy,” echoed Esther Hyland who portrays Sarah and excell ed as Eve last fall in Dare to Defy’s terrific pro- duction of “Children of Eden.” “This show has a classic ‘guys vs. girls’ storyline celebrating the humor- ous differences between the sexes. Yet the four main characters also explore what it means to love someone in spite of their flaws. The show is funny but meaning- ful. People can really see themselves in these characters.”
“The characters are flawed, quirky and ador- able,” noted director/Dare to Defy founder Becki Nor- gaard. “The show (contains) complex characters that makeane motional journey. The music is fun as well.”
Loesser’s treasure trove of impeccable show tunes includes “Fugue for Tinhorns,” “I’ll K now,” “If I Were a Bell,” “A Bushel and a Peck,” “A delaide’s Lament,” “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” “Luck Be a Lady,” “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” and the bou ncyt itle song.
“Th ere are a n umber of iconic songs in t hisshow,” add edHupp,aRes ident Artist at Indianapolis Opera last fall who will soon travel to Iowa as part of a major young artist program for Des Moines Metro Opera. “I think a lot of people who have seen the show in the past would come back just to enjoy hearing it all again.”
The pr i ncipal cast includes David McKibben as Nathan Detroit, Danielle Kubasky as Adelaide, Bobby Mitchum as NicelyNicely Johnson, Alan Ruddy as Benny Southstreet, Ted Eltzroth as Arvide Abernathy, Brennan Paulin as Rusty Charlie, Marty Hoeschelter as Harry the Horse, TC Schreier as Big Jule, Skyler McNeely as Lt. Branningan, and Angie Thacker as General Matilda B. Cartwright.
Norgaard’s artistic team i ncludes musical director Lorri Topping, pianist Nick Garvin, choreographer Lisa Glover, set and lighting designer Derryck Menard, and costumer Olivia Dakin.
“I really wanted to pay homage to the original and give the audience what they expect,” Norgaard explained regarding her directorial vision. “However, I also want to bring some extra depth and sincerity to the characters. It is an interesting challenge to meet both goals.”
IF YOU GO
“Guys and Dolls” Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton May 19 and 20; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday $23.50-$53.50 Call Ticket Center Stage at 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com