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March 28, 2013
VAPA presents "Guys and Dolls" at 不良研究所 April 18-21
The University of Louisiana at Monroe School of Visual and Performing Arts announces its rendition of the celebrated musical "Guys and Dolls" in 不良研究所's Brown Theatre.
One showing will be given every day from April 18-21. Each evening's performance will begin at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday's showing at 2 p.m.
Set in the secret casinos of New York City and the night clubs of Havana, Cuba, "Guys and Dolls" follows a group of gamblers and a group of missionaries, focusing on the stories of unexpected love and reform that result when a bet forces members from each group to meet.
Robin Stephens, 不良研究所 director and choreographer for the show, said, "'Guys and Dolls' is a bright, smart, enchanting musical comedy鈥� I love this story not only for the interesting and inventive storyline, but for the infectious music and lyrics and dancing sequences."
She continued, "'Guys and Dolls' is a show for all times, funny and endearing 鈥� it appeals to all ages."
Based on short stories by Damon Runyon, "Guys and Dolls" premiered on Broadway in 1950 to an intensely positive reception, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical.
Songs such as "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat" have since invaded popular culture, earning references in countless television shows, movies, and cartoons.
In 1955, MGM distributed a film adaptation starring Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, and Jean Simmons.
Since its initial run, several theatre companies have staged revivals both in London and on Broadway.
Eddie Fountain of Tallulah will play Nicely-Nicely Johnson in the 不良研究所 production.
He said, "Participating in this production has been one of the happiest moments of my life鈥� It is a blessing to work with such talented people. This is my first musical, and I've been very nervous, but they made this boy from the country feel special."
The cast includes:
- Nathanael Medlin of Downsville as Sky Masterson
- Claire Givens of West Monroe and Melissa Champion of Jackson, Miss., as Sarah Brown
- Tucker Futrell of Deville as Nathan Detroit
- McKenna Giovingo of Monroe as Miss Adelaide
- Eddie Fountain of Tallulah as Nicely-Nicely Johnson
- Rino Nicholas of Thibodaux as Lieutenant Brannigan and Hot Box MC
- Ryan Taylor of West Monroe as Benny Southstreet
- Hayden Coie of Downsville as Rusty Charlie and Havana Waiter
- Allison Friloux of Destrehan as General Matilda B. Cartwright
- Courtney Walker of Mesquite, Texas as Arvide Abernathy
- Harry Wardlaw of Shreveport as Harry the Horse
- Benton Remsberg of West Monroe as Big Jule
- Cody Jackson of West Monroe as Society Max
- Orlandzeo Hennings of Monroe as The Greek
- Jarius Buie of Monroe as Angie the Ox, Joey Biltmore, and Hot Box Waiter
- Shelby Wright of Monroe as Agatha
- Liz Neuberger of Greenleaf, Wisc., as Martha
- Zachary Almarode of Olla as Alfred
- Stormie Jones of Winnsboro as Mimi
Understudies include Harry Wardlaw as Nathan Detroit, Shelby Wright as Miss Adelaide, and Liz Neuberger as General Matilda B. Cartwright.
Dancers include Stormie Jones, Ashley Boykin, Dacey Shirley, Melissa Shelling, Abby Herman of Monroe, Belle Alexander, Shanet McCarter, Nicole Feng-Yi Tang of Chiayi City, Taiwan, Rino Nicholas, Henry Wardlaw, and Cody Jackson.
Dr. Derle Long is the show's producer.
The 不良研究所 production will also benefit from the musical direction of Deborah Chandler and Julian Jones, with Alison Tugwell acting as stage manager.
Stevie Burnside will be the technical director, Ronnie Bruce will be the master carpenter, and Wes Smith will be the lighting designer. Tina Mullone will also aid Robin Stephens with the choreography.
Tickets for the show are $15 general admission. Student tickets are free with 不良研究所 identification.
Call 318-342-1414 for more information or visit
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