Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

Press Releases

The Chagrin Valley Little Theatre to Perform Guys & Dolls in Concert! - 9/9/08

CHAGRIN FALLS, OH - The Chagrin Valley Little Theatre announces that it will perform Guys & Dolls in Concert!, for one weekend only, from October 3-5, 2008. In this concert
version of Frank Loesser’s revered Broadway show, set design is stripped away to make way for a full orchestra performing onstage with the cast. This historic run marks the first time that the concert version of Guys & Dolls has been presented at a theater in Northeast Ohio.

Under the direction of Don Edelman, some of the area’s finest performers will sing classic songs from the musical, including “Luck be a Lady,” “If I Were a Bell,” “Adelaide’s Lament,” and “I’ve Never Been in Love Before.” Returning to Cleveland to reprise their roles from the Theatre’s original run more than 35 years ago are Joanie (Mockrin) Levitt as Sarah Brown and Frank Zeleznik as Sky Masterson. Locals Frank Mularo and Sy Levine will repeat their original roles as Nathan Detroit and Benny Southstreet, respectively, and Carol Ernst will return to the Theatre’s stage—four decades after her last performance—to play Miss Adelaide. “This show is significant for the Theatre and our community. Not only is it the first known run of the concert version of Guys & Dolls in the Cleveland area, but it offers an unprecedented reunion of talented artists who have graced area stages for more than 40 years,” notes Mr. Edelman.

Stephen Eva, will conduct the concert orchestra and serve as the show’s musical director. Mr. Eva is renowned in the area for producing orchestra concerts, particularly in his position as musical director and conductor for the Hermit Club Symphony Orchestra—a position he has held for more than 25 years.

Guys & Dolls in Concert! will be performed on Friday, October 3 and Saturday, October 4 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, October 5 at 2 p.m. Tickets for all seats are $25. To precede the Sunday matinee on October 5, Gamekeeper’s Tavern will host a three-course, all-inclusive luncheon from 12-2 p.m. and for $25 (show tickets sold separately). For additional information on Guys and Dolls in Concert!, the Gamekeeper’s luncheon or menu, or to order tickets, call the Theatre at 440-247-8955 or visit
www.cvlt.org.

About Guys & Dolls

Based on Damon Runyon's short story "The Idyll of Miss Sarah Brown," Guys & Dolls revolves around Nathan Detroit, the organizer of the oldest established permanent floating craps game in New York, who bets fellow gambler Sky Masterson that he can't make the next girl he sees fall in love with him. The next girl he sees happens to be Miss Sarah Brown, a pure-at-heart Salvation Army-type reformer, and the stage is set for a hilarious evening of complications. Guys & Dolls originally opened at the 46th Street Theatre in 1950 and enjoyed a run of 1,200 performances. It has since been revived many times on Broadway and has enjoyed success at theaters across the nation and abroad. Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser; book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows.

About the Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

For more than 75 years, the Chagrin Valley Little Theatre—a volunteer, not-for-profit organization—has enriched the cultural life of the Chagrin Valley and Northeast Ohio. Through the production of live theatre and related programming, the Chagrin Valley Little Theatre promotes interest and excellence in live performances for the enjoyment of audiences, the advancement of the skills of individuals within the performing arts; and various educational and outreach programs to the community. For additional information or to schedule an interview with the director and/or cast, please contact Pat Mazzarino patmazz@aol.com

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