Guys & Dolls

Frankston Arts Centre

DIRECTOR / PRODUCTION MANAGER

Sarah Tierney

MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Keaton Cloherty

CHOREOGRAPHERS

Ashley Barrett, Olivia Steny, Emma Higgins, Amy Eichstadt and Hayley Does

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Morgan Henson

LIGHTING

Andrei Chlebnikowski

SOUND

Steve Cooke

SET

Sarah Inglis, Andrew Ogdon, Brett Leeder and Sarah Tierney

PROJECTION

Paul Orton

COSTUME

Samantha Gilmour, Simone Pennicuik and Sarah Tierney

MAKE UP

Maddie Watson and Claudia Evers

STAGE MANAGER

Georgia Howard

Assistant Stage Manager

Camille Custerson

PHOTOGRAPHY

Josh Brnjac

SYNOPSIS

Set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City, Guys And Dollsis a dazzling romantic comedy involving the unlikeliest of Manhattan pairings: a high-rolling gambler and a moral missionary, a showgirl dreaming of the straight-and-narrow and a dice game manager who is anything but. This award winning musical takes us from the bustle of Times Square to the dance clubs of Havana to the sewers of New York City as it demonstrates the great lengths to which a guy will go when he truly falls in love with a “doll.” Featuring some of Frank Loesser’s most memorable tunes, including the hilarious “Adelaide’s Lament,” the romantic “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” the exuberant “If I Were a Bell,” the classic “Luck be a Lady” and the toe-tapping “Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat.” This is a feel-good, vibrant and creative interpretation of the classic musical.

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

‘Guys and Dolls’ holds a special place in my memory as it is the first production I actually braved the bright lights of the stage for. The power of this show, for me, comes from its ability to show the transformation power of love, grace and forgiveness. Sarah Brown the missionary approaches sharing the gospel in the only way she knows how, through yelling and condemnation; it takes failure and an encounter with ‘sinners,’ real people, to enable her to see the power of compassion and grace. Nathan Detroit is afraid of commitment and change, he is comfortable with the status quo and is afraid to take that next step, but through his mistakes and the love of his fiancé he turns his entire future around and heads down the straight and narrow. Sky Masterson is a gambler who professes that his heart ‘is as black as two feet down a wolf’s gullet’ and yet, his encounters and conversations with a missionary change his entire outlook on life. There is so much depth to this vibrant, fun and comical show and it is that wonderful pairing that drew me to selecting it.

Directing such a huge show would not be possible without a strong and supportive team of people and this show has been no exception. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the key people who have been involved in the journey with me in bringing this adorable, complicated and fun-filled show to life on stage. To the wonderful cast, for their encouragement of myself and one another, their dedication to our many rehearsals and the community culture they fostered. To the all the crew who diligently worked to support the actors on stage and bring the show to life behind the scenes. To the band, for their countless hours of practice and the amazing sound they have brought to this show. To my assistant director Morgan, who has worked diligently alongside me from the very beginning and supported the cast and the vision for the show. To my talented choreographers, for their creativity, patience and the leadership skills they have shown throughout the process. Finally, to Keaton, my Musical Director, for your dedication, support and positive attitude, it has been an absolute privilege working with you again. I have loved directing this show and watching all those involved develop their creative gifts. Thank you to our audience for coming to support this wonderful cast and crew. I hope and pray that the story of this show brings some light and encouragement to you as we step back in time, walking the streets of Damon Runyonland’s mythical New York city.