Wayne State University's Theatre and Dance program will roll back the clock to the earliest era of the Bonstelle Theatre when its production of the 1950 classic Guys & Dolls opens on April 11. Based on Damon Runyon's story and characters, the Tony Award-winning comedy features one of the greatest scores in the history of American theatre and is considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy.
Guys & Dolls centers on the romantic misadventures of four iconic Broadway characters: Sarah Brown, the upright but uptight "mission doll" out to reform the evildoers of Time Square; Sky Masterson, the slick, high-rolling gambler with a heart; Miss Adelaide, the chronically ill nightclub performer whose condition may be attributed to the fact she has been engaged to the same man for 14 years; and Nathan Detroit, her devoted fiancé, anxious as always to find a spot for his infamous floating craps game.
Desperate to find money to pay for his game, Nathan bets Sky $1,000 dollars that he will not be able to take a local Salvation Army girl, Sarah, to Cuba. While Sky courts Sarah, Nathan battles with Adelaide, all while trying to put together his illegal craps game under the watchful eye of Lt. Brannigan. Will Nathan Detroit ever marry his fiancée? Will he evade the authorities to find a place for his long-standing game? Can noted gambler and rogue Sky Masterson overcome the stolid defenses of the beautiful Sister Sarah Brown?
When Guys & Dolls opened, it became one of the great successes of Broadway history, running for 1,200 performances and winning five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It has received three Broadway revivals, two major mountings in London and was adapted into the classic 1955 film starring Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, Jean Simmons and Vivian Blaine.
As Guys & Dolls was lighting up Broadway, Detroit's Bonstelle Theatre merged with Wayne State University and premiered its first season (1951-52). Theatre and Dance at Wayne is excited to get back to its roots and celebrate the '50s with this golden-age musical.
Tickets are available for $20-$25 by calling 313-577-2960, visiting www.wsushows.com, or at the Wayne State University Theatre Box Office located at 4743 Cass Avenue on the corner of Hancock.