ACT Windsor’s Guys And Dolls Performance . . . Luck’s Been A Lady Tonight For Windsor Theatregoers

According to Wikipedia: “Guys and Dolls is a  musical  with music and lyrics by  Frank Loesser  and book by  Jo Swerling  and  Abe Burrows , based on A Story and Characters of Damon Runyon.

The show premiered on  Broadway  in 1950, where it ran for 1,200 performances and won the  Tony Award  for Best Musical. The musical has had several Broadway and London revivals, as well as a  1955 film adaptation  starring  Frank Sinatra ,  Marlon Brando ,  Jean Simmons , and  Vivian Blaine . In 1998,  Vivian Blaine ,  Sam Levene ,  Robert Alda  and  Isabel Bigley , along with the original Broadway cast of the 1950  Decca  cast album, were inducted into the  Grammy Hall of Fame .”

Now, fast forward 73 years to 2023 and Windsor theatregoers are being treated to a ‘contemporized’ version of this award-winning Broadway classic – as only Arts Collective Theatre (ACT) Artistic Director, Chris Rabideau, can pull off.

Rabideau remains faithful to the plot and story line – including the names of the lovable characters Nathan Detroit, Sky Masterson, Sister Sarah Brown, Miss Adelaide, Nicely-Nicely Johnson, Benny Southstreet, Arvide Abernathy, Harry the Horse, Big Jule (ie), Rusty Charlie, Lieutenant Brannigan, and General Matilda B. Cartwright.

Moya McAlister, ACT Board of Directors Vice President and Communications Manager states: “In a ground-breaking move, ACT has cast a diverse ensemble of performers, reflecting the rich tapestry of our community. This inclusive approach aligns with ACT’s core values of providing opportunities for artists from all backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging, and highlighting the universality of the human experience.”

Rabideau shares his excitement about the production: “We believe that theatre is a powerful tool for building bridges between people. ‘Guys and Dolls’ is a story about love, friendship, and taking chances, and we’re thrilled to explore these themes with such a wonderfully diverse and talented cast.”

Featuring a talented cast of local performers, ACT’s high energy production of Guys and Dolls transports you to the bustling streets of New York City, where high-stakes gamblers and lovable romantics collide in a world of glamour, humor, and charm.

Windsor’s great, historical gem, The Capitol Theatre, is the perfect venue for this yesteryear classic. The entire casts’ amazing performances are highlighted by the dazzling choreography of Tiffany Chan (Windsor Dance eXperience), and a live orchestra led by Ian Smith that bring the beloved score to life. The production team has worked tirelessly to create a visually stunning set and costumes by designer Valentine Yaghoubzadeh that transport the audience to the bustling streets of 1950s New York.

This show will have every theatregoer leaving at the end with a bounce in their step and a song in their heart. And, more importantly, they will have assisted one of this area’s top not-for-profit theatre productions groups in providing a platform for artists from all backgrounds to express themselves through the performing arts.

The show runs October 13 to 22, 2023, at the Capitol Theatre with show times at 8 p.m. October 13, 14, 20 & 21 and 2 p.m. October 15 & 22. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Capitol Theatre box office.