Guys and Dolls New Soo Theatre Project Musical Choice

Sault Ste. Marie's Soo Theatre Project has found it necessary to change its choice for its 2010 summer musical. The group had originally planned to present Fiddler on the Roof. However, due to a problem in obtaining the rights to produce the show, it has decided to stage Guys and Dolls. The Soo Theatre has received a license from Music Theater International for the July 15, 16, 17, and 18 production and has begun rehearsals.

Guys and Dolls is a classic American Musical set in the streets and gambling circles of early 1950's New York City. The plot centers around Nathan Detroit, played by local actor Rich Morrison, having to come up with funds for the location of an illegal craps game. Enter gambler Sky Masterson, portrayed by Soo Theatre actor Christian Perron, who is known for taking crazy bets that he eventually wins. Nathan maneuvers Sky into a bet that he, Sky, cannot take street missionary Sarah Brown, portrayed locally by Shirley Wilkinson, on a dinner date in Cuba. Adding further complication to the plot, Nathan has problems of his own with his nightclub-dancing fiancée of fourteen years, Miss Adelaide, acted locally by Melissa Kargiannakis. Adelaide is applying the pressure for Nathan to marry and start a family. Complications ensue, resulting in one of America's most hilarious musicals. The show brings us such songs as “Bushel and a Peck,” “If I Were a Bell,” “I've Never Been in Love Before,” “Luck Be a Lady,” and, the title song, “Guys and Dolls.”

Other assigned roles in the Soo Theatre production are: Matt Gilbertson, Seth Witucki, Jim Schmidt, Wade Leppien, Kaylynn Barber, Becky McCauley, Sam Burdick, Jim Taylor, Lola Kennedy, Twyla Fredrickson, Matt Zook, Andrew Lucas, Ben Deatrick, Nick Cremeans, Mary Witucki, Sharon SanAngelo, Ginger Stratton, and Gabriella Castillo. Also appearing are Melissa Makranyi, Samantha Peck, Jaelinn Soeltner, Haley Weston, Casey Strieter, Hollyann Beck, Melina Talentino, and Christopher Avila.

This will be the first show that director Bob Koger has undertaken with the Soo Theatre Project. However, the show is not unfamiliar to Koger. He has previously directed the show four times. He also performed in the show with a tour of the Orient and South Pacific for the USO and American Educational Theater Association. Regarding the problem of having to change the show following the casting of the original selection, Koger stated, “After finding an outstanding cast, it was disappointing to have to abandon our choice of Fiddler on the Roof. But, in discussions with my fellow directors, we found a show that allows us to actually use the entire cast that we chose for Fiddler. I am convinced that this group of Soo Theatre performers will bring an absolutely stunning production to the folks of the Sault Ste. Marie area.”

Soo area folks are reminded to mark those production dates of July 15, 16, 17, and 18 on their calendars. They will be in for a real treat. For additional information, please contact the Soo Theatre Project, 534 Ashmun Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, (906) 632-1930 or visit the website at www.sootheatre.org. Come, join and support the Soo Theatre Project.

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