Annie Russell Theatre to Conclude Season with GUYS AND DOLLS

The Annie Russell Theatre concludes its 82nd season with the iconic musical, Guys and Dolls. The production, directed by Missy Barnes, will seek to expose the humanity in a sixty-five year old love story that has been revived, reimaged, and revisited by companies across the globe.

"I call it 'pretty voices making no choices,' laughs Barnes (referring to musical theatre productions in which talented singers stand detached from the world of the play and deliver technically correct performances that are nevertheless void of emotion). "From the design choices to the rehearsal process, we're keeping Guys and Dolls grounded in reality and out of 'cartoon-land' in order to find what's authentic about these larger-than-life characters."

Set designer Lisa Cody-Rapport was inspired by "spontaneous realism," which she stumbled upon while researching style paintings of New York City. "We're using watercolor to create the world of the play," explains Cody-Rapport. "The main drop is painted in a loose style, not perfect or exact. Spontaneous. But then we bring on elements that are more photographic, like the newsstand or the mission. We're zooming in on these moments in the chaos that is New York City, and as we do so, the picture becomes more sharp and clear."

Seth Schrager, costume designer, also embraces the challenge of blending the real with the fantastical. "I did a lot of historical research, and the costumes will reflect the period," he says. "But it's still a big, fun musical and I have to find the color and the sparkle. For example, Nicely Nicely [who sings the show's title number] will be wearing a custom suit that's an indication of the fifties, but the fabric is this kooky plaid!"

Guys and Dolls opens on April 17th and runs through the 25th. Tickets are $25 for opening night, and include a champagne reception with New York treats such as potato knishes and black-and-white cookies. All other performances are $20, with discounts available for students and seniors. More information on the Annie Russell Theatre's upcoming production of Guys and Dolls may be found at www.rollins.edu/annierussell. For more information on the Department of Theatre and Dance at Rollins College, please visit www.rollins.edu/theatredance.