Wagner College Theatre Kicks Off GUYS AND DOLLS Tonight

The Wagner College Theatre concludes its 2012-13 Main Stage season with its production of the timeless musical comedy, "Guys and Dolls." Based on two short stories by Damon Runyon, the action for this singing and dancing extravaganza takes place on the streets of Prohibition-era New York City. The show opens tonight, April 24 and runs through May 5.

The story is set in a Times Square populated by gangsters, showgirls and missionaries. As the show begins, Nathan Detroit, the fiancé of Adelaide, is working to organize another floating crap game. Desperate to finance his latest scheme, Nathan bets fellow gambler Sky Masterson that he can't seduce Sarah Brown, a beautiful missionary. This bet leads to a series of hilarious complications as Masterson plots to win the bet.

Written by composer/lyricist Frank Loesser, with a book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, "Guys and Dolls" was first produced on Broadway in 1950. It has won a total of 17 Tony awards over the years, including Best Musical for the original production and Best Revival in 1995. The show also received international attention with the release of a film version in 1955 that starred Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, Jean Simmons and Vivian Blaine.

The cast of Wagner College's "Guys and Dolls" will be led by seniors Eric Petillo, April Lavalle, Julia Jones, Steve Babino, Dave Resultan, Robby Haltiwanger, Michael Bullard, Max King, Kara Krichman, Ariane Ryan, Katey Sabo, Jaime Maraviglia and Annie Dow.

Joining the cast will be Mickey Tennenbaum, Wagner College Theatre professor and renowned Staten Island theatre artist. Tennenbaum will be playing the role of Arvide, the grandfather of Sarah Brown, for the second time in his career.

"I love the opportunity of working with this talented cast," said Tennenbaum. "It's almost scary how good they are!"

The cast will be acting and singing to the musical direction of WCT's Lauri Young.

The show balances comedy, romance and dance routines to bring the audience a great night of pure entertainment and fun.

Wagner College Theatre presents "Guys and Dolls," with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, on its Main Stage from April 24 through May 5, with dates and showtimes as below:

Tickets run from $16 to $27. For tickets to this show, or a season subscription, call the box office at 718-390-3259, or visit the box office online.