The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Department of Performing and Visual Arts-Theatre and Pioneer Players will present their spring musical “Guys and Dolls” in the Center for the Arts Richard and Helen Brodbeck Concert Hall.  Performances are Thursday through Satruday, April 11-13 at 7:30 p.m., and April 13-14 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $9 general admission, $8 faculty/staff/seniors, and $5 for students/under 18.
“Guys and Dolls” is the story of Nathan Detroit who bets high-rolling gambler Sky Masterson that Sky cannot persuade Save-A-Soul Missionary Sister Sarah Brown to accompany him on a trip to Cuba. While Sky works his charms on Sarah, Nathan is doing his best to avoid marrying his long-suffering fiancée, Miss Adelaide. Set in the colorful world of New York City in the mid-20th century, the romantic and funny “Guys And Dolls” is populated with gangsters and gamblers, missionaries and showgirls. Winner of eight Tony Awards, this beloved musical of the Golden Age with well-known songs such as “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ The Boat” is an American classic.
The cast includes UW-Platteville students Michael Ababio, Madison Anderson, Daniel Church, Emily Cooksey, Jarrod Diehm, Cody Ellis, Braden Ganter, TJ Herbers, Emily Hierlmeier, Kyle James, Jacob Lange, Rachael Lester, Hannah Orr, Andrea Paisley, Sandra Polakowski, Hannah Shuler, Cassandra Thomas, Nick Varela and Dakota Vaassen.
Students, Nina Welke and Daniel McMullen are the stage manager and lighting designer, respectively.
Jeffrey Strange, assistant professor of theatre and the program’s technical director/designer, is the scenic designer for the production, and Ann Dillon Farrelly, associate professor of theatre, is the director.
Musical direction is by Susan Savage Day, and choreography is by Connie Saloutos Furlan.
UW-Platteville alumnus Craig Schlagel returns as costume designer.
“The concept for this production was inspired by the musical’s own Hot Box club.  We decided to explore the presentational nature of musical theatre by imagining the story being told by performers within the club. We promise it is still the ‘Guys and Dolls’ you’ve come to love. Ultimately, it’s still the same story about how love can change you, whether you like it or not,” said Farrelly.
For tickets and information call the University Box Office at (608) 342-1298.

Ann Farrelly is an associate professor of Theatre, Department of Performing and Visual Arts; co-artistic, director, The Heartland Festival.