by Katherine Brewer
The Whole Backstage Theatre and Season Sponsor Sonny Lewis announce auditions for the summer musical, Frank Loesser’s “Guys and Dolls”, directed by Johnny Brewer. Auditions will be Thursday and Friday, March 17-18 at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 19 at 10 a.m., and Sunday, March 20 at 2:00 p.m.
“Last performed to sold-out audiences at the Whole Backstage in 1995, “Guys and Dolls” has a large cast, with numerous great parts for men and women. In addition to the lead roles, there are several parts available for men and women of various ages. No previous experience is necessary, and this is a good first show for anyone who has considered getting onstage. Those auditioning will be required to sing a prepared song, as well as do some simple dance movements. There will be a dancing chorus and a singing chorus. And, of course, the WBS is always looking for people interested in helping backstage,” Director Johnny Brewer explained.
“Guys and Dolls” first conquered Broadway in 1951, winning 5 Tony Awards including Best New Musical and again in 1992 with 4 Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical. Based on the Damon Runyon books of the New York underworld, it tells the story of a gambler, Nathan Detroit, who runs a “floating” crap game, much to the disapproval of his long-suffering fiancée of 14 years, the Hot Box Night Club singer, Miss Adelaide. To raise the money to pay for a venue for his crap game, Nathan bets $1000 on what he believes is a sure thing. Meanwhile, Sky Masterson, a high rolling, suave gambler boasts that he could get any girl he wants. So, Nathan bets him that he can’t get the local “Save-A-Soul” missionary, Sarah Brown, to go to dinner with him in Havana. In her reluctance, Sky, in turn, guarantees that he will provide 12 “genuine sinners” for her midnight prayer meeting in return for an evening meal together. So, Sky needs sinners to win his bet, Sarah needs to save her mission, Adelaide wants to turn her 14-year engagement into a wedding, and Nathan is just trying to keep his crap game afloat, keep Adelaide happy, not get arrested by the local cop, or shot by a visiting gangster. This storyline sets the stage for a range of musical numbers including, Guys and Dolls, Adelaide’s Lament, Bushel and a Peck, Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat, Luck be a Lady, My Time of Day, and I’ll Know.
Assistant Director-Dana Thomas, Assistant to the Director-Katherine Brewer, Choreographer-Stephanie Braly-Beutjer, Costume Coordinator-Jan Price, Costumer- Sue Bilke, Costume Supervisor-Connie Ables, Stage Manager-Wendy Zahn, Sound Design by Chris Hemphill, Lighting Coordinator-Robin Moore, under the direction of veteran Whole Backstager, Johnny Brewer.
In-person auditions for “Guys and Dolls” will be in Reception Room #1 at the WBS Playhouse, 1120 Rayburn Avenue/Dot Moore Way in Guntersville. Video submission is an option for anyone who cannot attend on-site auditions.
Audition materials with detailed information including tips, character descriptions, and music are available now for download from the WBS website www.wholebackstage.com. Performances are slated for June 17-26, 2022. For more information, please contact the WBS office at 256.582.7469 or e-mail [email protected].
