Guys and Dolls
by Tex-Arts

Aug. 14 - Aug. 23, 2015
Thursdays-Sundays

An all-new sizzling production of the Broadway musical comedy classic GUYS AND DOLLS opens August 14, 2015. With its unforgettable songs by Frank Loesser including "Luck Be A Lady," "I've Never Been In Love Before," and "Sit Down Your Rockin' The Boat," this show features a cast of gamblers, gals and gangsters. Fun for the whole family, GUYS AND DOLLS is musical entertainment you can bet on!

Starring J. Quinton Johnson, Taylor Colleen Smit, Amy Nichols, Paul Sanchez, Matt Buzonas, Timothy Ellis  Riley and Jamie Shaw

A Musical Fable of Broadway Based on a Story and Characters of Damon Runyon

Music and Lyrics by: FRANK LOESSER

Book by: JO SWERLING and ABE BURROWS

Directed by Kasey RT Graham - Choreographed by Michael Clement 

Music Directed by Robert L. Frost

a Tex-Arts professional production

Created by Richard Maltby, Jr., Conceived by William Meade. Adapted from the Broadway Production by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Jason Edwards

 

TexARTS presents the Broadway classic “Guys and Dolls” for the second production of the 2015-16 professional series. Gathering the best central Texas talent and veteran Broadway leadership, TexARTS will bring the spark and glamour of 1940s New York City to the Kam and James Morris Theatre.

 

At the helm is director Kasey RT Graham. Graham comes to TexARTS after serving as associate director of the Tony-nominated Broadway revival of “On the Twentieth Century” starring Kristen Chenoweth and Peter Gallagher.

 

“We are so fortunate to have a director of Kasey’s caliber lead this production,” Jarret Mallon, TexARTS executive director, said. “Classic Broadway musicals are his forte and we are excited to realize his vision on the TexARTS stage.”

 

“Guys and Dolls” is considered the quintessential Broadway musical, and no production would be complete without Frank Loesser’s beloved songs like “A Bushel and a Peck,” “If I Were a Bell,” “Luck be a Lady,” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” TexARTS invites audiences to share in old memories and make new ones with this timeless classic.

 

CAST

J. Quinton Johnson (Sky Masterson) recently appeared in the Zilker Hillside Theatre production of “Oklahoma” and was a featured soloist in Ramin Karimloo’s “Broadway to Bluegrass” concert. In 2014, Johnson was nominated for a B. Iden Payne award for his portrayal of Benny in the University of Texas at Austin’s production of “In the Heights.”

 

Opposite Johnson is Taylor Colleen Smit (Miss Sarah Brown). Smit has performed in regional productions of “South Pacific” and “Catch Me If You Can” and has performed several shows with Disney Cruise Line. Smit was awarded best principle female in a musical in 2014 for her role as Nelly Forbush  in “South Pacific” by the Theatre Bay Area Awards.

 

Local stage favorite Jose Villarreal (Nathan Detroit) has appeared recently in “Heathers” and “Silence: the Musical” with Doctuh Mistuh productions and in the Zach Scott Theatre’s recent production of “The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” 

 

Amy Nichols (Miss Adelaide) returns to TexARTS where she was featured in “Midlife: the Crisis Musical.” Nichols’ other Austin credits include “The Drowsy Chaperone” at the Zach. 

 

Paul Sanchez (Nicely-Nicely Johnson) is an active performer and teacher in the Austin area whose credits include “Tommy” at the Zach and several productions with the Austin Lyric Opera.

 

Also joining the cast are Timothy Ellis Riley (Benny Southstreet) – “Tommy” at the Zach, Rudy Roberson (Lt. Brannigan) - “The Lion King” national tour, Matt Buzonas(Rusty Charlie) - TexARTS’ “Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show,” and Scotty Roberts (Big Julie) – “Gypsy” at Southwestern University. The ensemble includes Jamie Shaw (General Cartwright), Curt Olson(Arvide Abernathy), Jordan Mersberger (Harry the Horse), Jake McVicker (Joey Biltmore/MC/Gambler), Harrison Cardwell (Gambler), Michael Wheeler(Gambler), and Emily Ott (Hot Box Girl). TexARTS is proud to present TexARTS Broadway Company members Reilly Cox, Maddy “Mac” McKowen, and Jade Milam as the Hot Box Girls.

 

CREATIVE TEAM

TexARTS welcomes Kasey RT Graham to direct “Guys and Dolls.” In addition to his work with Broadway’s “On the Twentieth Century,” Graham’s credits include the national tour of “Dirty Dancing,” and regional productions of “Spelling Bee” and “Into the Woods.” Joining Graham in bringing this classic musical to life are music director Robert L. Frost from the Eugene O’Neil Theater Center and choreographer Michael Clement from Disney Entertainment.

 

“Guys and Dolls: A Musical Fable of Broadway” is based on a story and characters of Damon Runyon. The music and lyrics are by Frank Loesser, and the book is by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows.

 

TexARTS

TexARTS, the Lake Travis nonprofit for the visual and performing arts, offers completely staged professional productions and is a performing and visual arts educational academy. TexARTS is proud to employ hundreds of professional regional actors, musicians and artistic staff living here in Austin. 

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Guys and Dolls
by Loesser, Swerling and Burrows
Tex-Arts

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. 

A special Student Night has been added to the run of the TexARTS Professional Series production of “Guys and Dolls.” On Thursday, August 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kam and James Morris Theatre, students can attend the show for 50% off the regular ticket price with a valid student ID. After the show, the audience is invited to stay for a talk-back with the cast and creative team.