Dazzling Classic GUYS AND DOLLS Hits the Stage at Maltz Jupiter Theatre

Roll the dice and fall in love with one of the greatest musicals of all time: Guys and Dolls!

International performer and Conservatory faculty member Ricky Nahas will direct and choreograph the upcoming production of the beloved musical on June 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. on the Maltz Jupiter Theatre's stage. Fun for the entire family, tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for children.

The show will star 50 students from Palm Beach, Martin County and beyond who are participating in the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts' three-week Senior Conservatory summer camp (grades 6-12), in which students learn all aspects of theatre such as acting, dance and voice, culminating in full performances of Guys and Dolls.

Based on stories and characters by Damon Runyon, book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows and featuring the timeless music and lyrics of Frank Loesser, Guys and Dolls follows gambler Nathan Detroit as he tries to find the cash to set up the biggest craps game in town. An oddball romantic comedy that Entertainment Weekly ranked as the greatest musical of all time, this crowd-pleasing musical is a treat for all ages!

Premiering on Broadway in 1950, the musical ran for 1,200 performances and earned five Tony Awards including Best Musical. The musical has had several Broadway and London revivals since then (including a popular 1992 Tony Award-winning revival), as well as a 1955 film adaptation starring Marlon Brando. Dubbed "a perfect musical comedy" by the New York Daily News, the show continues to earn praise from critics across the world. Filled with infectious show tunes such as "Luck Be a Lady," "I've Never Been in Love Before," "A Bushel and a Peck" and the crowd favorite "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat," Guys and Dolls will leave audiences tapping their toes to this fun-filled classic American musical.

"There is a reason why audiences continue to fall in love with Guys and Dolls decade after decade," said Julie Rowe, director of education for the Conservatory. "Guys and Dolls is exhilarating, spontaneous and wickedly funny; it's a lighthearted show perfect for a summer night out. Our students have been looking forward to this all season!"

Seen onstage in the Theatre's professional productions of Les Misérables, The Wiz and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Nahas has served as a Conservatory faculty member for the past four years, teaching voice and dance. He previously directed and choreographed the Senior Conservatory's productions of Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr., SEUSSICAL and Little Shop of Horrors, and also choreographed all three years of the Theatre's productions of Through the Looking Glass. Notable roles include Radames in Aida, Mungojerrie in Cats, a swing and dance captain in the National Tour of Altar Boyz and Double J in Saturday Night Fever. Currently based in West Palm Beach, Nahas has performed throughout Europe, with TV credits that include Burn Notice and Guiding Light.

"I'm delighted to be directing and choreographing such a sensational musical on the Maltz Jupiter Theatre's stage," Nahas said. "Guys and Dolls is a high-energy Broadway classic filled with colorful characters, laugh-out-loud hijinks and magnificent music. I'd like to encourage everyone to come see our area's talented local students perform in this spirited show."

Nahas is currently spending the three weeks of camp guiding students through the process of auditioning for a Broadway show, a fast-paced rehearsal schedule and the opportunity to showcase all that they've learned onstage, complete with costumes, sets, professional lighting and a professional theater orchestra.

"The Senior Conservatory is an excellent opportunity for local teens to have the chance to experience what it's like to work in professional theatre and perform on that Theatre's stage in a full musical," Rowe said.

The musical features design elements from a host of industry professionals, including scenic design by the Theatre's properties master Casey Blanton, sound design by the Theatre's resident sound designer Marty Mets, lighting design by David Nail, costume design by Jerry Sturdefant, music direction from Conservatory faculty member John Mercurio, dance instruction assistance from dance captain Keagan Cerny and stage management from Noelle Dibble.

Showtimes for the Conservatory's upcoming production of Guys and Dolls are 7:30 p.m on Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24. Tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for children. For tickets, call the Theatre's box office at (561) 575-2223 or visit www.jupitertheatre.org.

About the Conservatory

Drawing nearly 600 students per year, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts is a premiere professional Conservatory that offers a challenging, innovative and quality theatre experience to students of all ages and abilities. In addition to a full schedule of classes, the Conservatory's hands-on workshops and master classes offer students an opportunity to learn first-hand from nationally known directors and Broadway performers, agents and local instructors. More than 25 percent of the Conservatory's students receive scholarships. For more information about the Conservatory including a full schedule of classes, visit www.jupitertheatre.org/education.

About the Maltz Jupiter Theatre
The not-for-profit Maltz Jupiter Theatre has become one of Florida's preeminent professional theatres, committed to production and education through its collaborations with local and national artists. Currently the state's largest award-winning regional theatre, the Theatre draws 100,000 people annually, serves a subscription base of more than 7,758 and has world-class classroom facilities in support of its Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts, which serves hundreds of youth and adults. The Theatre is a member of the prestigious League of Resident Theatres and has earned numerous Carbonell Awards, South Florida's highest honor for artistic excellence, including the prestigious Bill Von Maurer Award for Theatrical Excellence. For more information about the Theatre's upcoming shows and Conservatory, visit www.jupitertheatre.org or call the box office at (561) 575-2223.

Photo credit: Jen Vasbinder