Guys and Dolls is a sure bet that soars with the spirit of Broadway! Set in vivid, mid-20th century New York City and buoyed by a Frank Loesser score that is among the most immortal works in theater history, this American classic has been called “the perfect musical comedy.” Featuring an eclectic ensemble of high-rolling gambler “guys,” well-meaning missionary “dolls” and brassy-voiced showgirls, Guys and Dolls is a toe-tappingly fun and romantic fable about gambling men and the strong-willed women who love them.

Guys and Dolls is produced in collaboration with PlayhouseSquare as part of the 2012-13 KeyBank Broadway Series.

A Musical Fable of Broadway / Based on a story and characters by Damon Runyon / Music and lyrics by Frank Loesser / Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows

A royal family is ripped apart when King Leontes imprisons Queen Hermione on suspicions of infidelity and exiles his newborn daughter. But callous hearts are redeemed, and broken ones mended, when the king’s abandoned orphan falls in love with a Bohemian prince. In a surprising Shakespearean twist, this beautiful and bittersweet tale transcends wrath and regret to achieve romance and renewal in a miraculously cathartic conclusion.

By William Shakespeare / Directed by Jesse Berger

The wealthy Argan is a housebound hypochondriac who fears he’s contracted every disease imaginable. Unfortunately, a pack of quacks is more than happy to (mis)treat him. Can Argan find the cure for what ails him, and bankroll his medical bills by marrying his daughter to a doctor? The answer will leave you…in stitches. Infused with 60s pop culture and original music, this madcap makeover of Molière’s comic classic is just what the doctor ordered!

Presented with generous support from John and Barbara Schubert.

By Moliere / Adapted by Oded Gross and Tracy Young / Original music by Paul James Prendergast / Lyrics by Oded Gross, Paul James Prendergast and Tracy Young / Originally produced by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Directed by Tracy Young

After a “spirited” séance goes decidedly wrong, the cantankerous novelist Charles Condomine suddenly finds himself face to face with the ghost of his deceased wife, Elvira…much to the chagrin of his current spouse, Ruth.  Love and marriage devolve into laughter and mayhem when Ruth is accidentally killed and united with Elvira on the “other side.” Together the paranormal pair of blithe spirits haunt their hapless husband with hilarious consequences.

By Noel Coward / Directed by Charles Fee

Beatrice and Benedick would rather exchange scorching insults than sweet nothings. However, the pugnacious pair is forced to forge a partnership in order to defend house and honor, and salvage the true love of Hero and Claudio after deceptions destroy the lovers’ wedding day. Will the earnest endeavor to restore a young romance elicit an unexpected change of heart for the effort’s unlikely collaborators as well?

By William Shakespeare / Directed by Sharon Ott