Synopsis

Our colorful production of GUYS AND DOLLS opens on a street scene where we are introduced to the people inhabiting the Damon Runyon universe of New York City. Crossing back and forth, rushing here and there, are the sightseers, autograph hounds, Broadway actors, vendors and cops along with the hustlers, street walkers and rip-off artists. Into this array march the members of the Mission Band, led by Miss Sarah Brown, who does her best to convert everyone she sees onto the path of righteousness.

Disappointed with failure, the missionaries exit as the street gamblers gather to find out where tonight's dice game will be. Their problem is that Lt. Brannigan is hot on the trail of good old reliable Nathan Detroit, owner of the famed "oldest established permanent floating crap game in New York!" While Nathan is busy trying to find a safe place for the game, we meet Miss Adelaide, his fiancée of the past 14 years. She is anxious to be married because she has told her mother (over the years) that she and Nathan were not only married, but that they now have six children!

Nathan wants to use Joey Biltmore's auto repair garage for the game that night, but Joey wants $1,000 in security money. Nathan, who is so broke he can't even buy an engagement anniversary present for Adelaide, runs into high-roller Sky Masterson.

Sky says he's headed to Havana for the night and Nathan asks why Sky is going alone. When Sky boasts that he could take any woman he chooses to go with him, Nathan proposes a bet. Nathan will choose a woman that won't go with Sky to Havana. Sky, believing that all women are basically the same, accepts the bet. And Nathan, able to choose anyone he wishes, chooses Miss Sarah Brown.

The ensuing tale is the story of Sky and Sarah falling in love, of Nathan and Adelaide deciding to get married, of gamblers finding the most unlikely places to shoot dice and of the law following one step behind as regularly as clockwork. There are obstacles and challenges for every character every step of the way and exciting, fun and imaginative ways to get around, over and under each of them.

So hold onto your seat, keep your eyes wide open and jump with both feet into the wild world of Damon Runyon's GUYS AND DOLLS!

Director's Notes
By Al Franklin

GUYS AND DOLLS is among the most recognizable show titles ever to appear on Broadway, and with good reason! It is a wonderful, energetic, fun show based on the colorful short stories of Damon Runyon, one of America's most beloved writers. His highly imaginative tales of New York, syndicated in newspapers and magazines across the country in the '30s and '40s, delighted millions of readers. Runyon filled the gap in American literature. He was the renowned fabler of Broadway, the chronicler of the strange doings of show girls, tinhorn gamblers, theatrical agents, tarts, con men, petty racketeers and all the big city characters who arise at dusk and sleep at dawn. In the early 1930s, Runyon characterized the famed Broadway restaurant, Lindy's, a haunt for newspapermen and Broadway regulars of all types, by renaming his imaginary hideout Mindy's. In Runyon vernacular, a man was a guy, a woman was a doll and even money had a new name, potatoes. As he sat, night after night drinking coffee and listening to the latest bits of gossip, Runyon developed the story lines and characters that would grace the pages of newspapers and magazines everywhere. As he once put it, "I took one little section of New York and made a million writing about it."

Always the writer, Runyon also wrote several syndicated columns throughout the 1930s in addition to his short stories. He also sold many of his stories to Hollywood, including the story that was to become LITTLE MISS MARKER, starring the hottest new star in pictures, Shirley Temple. Ever the popular story-teller, by 1941 he had become a full-time writer-producer for both RKO Pictures and 20th Century Fox. Until his final days, however, Runyon continued to frequent his favorite haunts on Broadway, turning the stories and people he encountered into the fables published in the country's biggest magazines. Runyon died in December of 1946, just four years before the Broadway opening of GUYS AND DOLLS. But those who attended the opening and everyone in his New York circle of friends could have almost sworn that Damon Runyon was in the audience with them that night, laughing as loud as any other guy or doll.

The Civic Theatre creative team, the entire cast and crew and I have had a fabulous time putting this production together and, even now, I cannot go to sleep at night or wake up in the morning without at least one of Frank Loesser's memorable songs echoing through my head. Now it's your turn to join the fun, to become a part of this event. So let yourself go and come on into the wild, whimsical and wonderful world of Damon Runyon.

Todd Dillon (Nathan Detroit) is excited to be back on the Civic Theatre stage where he was last seen in SECRET GARDEN, SOUTH PACIFIC and CARNIVAL. He is an art consultant for Garland's Art Galleries and assists with the drama team at Broadway Christian Church. Todd would like to thank God for giving him the best wife and children in the world.

Abigail Ehinger (Miss Adelaide/Choreographer) was recently seen in her Anthony Award-winning performance as Mrs. Anna in the THE KING AND I. This marks Abigail's 20th production at the Civic theatre and the 67th production in her career where she has served as choreographer She wishes to thank her Vera Bradley family for continuing to support and share in her love of theatre.

H. Wayne Williams, Jr. (Nicely-Nicely Johnson) recently was seen in Civic's production of THE TAMING OF THE SHREW and is a BFA graduate of Emerson College. He has worked with Fort Wayne Youtheatre, Civic, First Presbyterian Theatre, Purdue-Indiana Theatre and Grey Lite Theatre. He is also the assistant choral director and accompanist for The Canterbury School. He would like to thank his wonderful parents, Hoot and Carol Williams for their support.

David Owen Boggs (Benny Southstreet) was last seen on the Civic Theatre stage in TOWARDS ZERO, along with BRIGADOON, THE FANTASTIKS and LEND ME A TENOR. David would like to thank Fred Tone and Eva Merkel for their friendship and support. He would also like to thank his dear friend and colleague Amy Ball for her inspiration.

Ron Smith (Rusty Charlie), an Anthony Award winner, has performed in THE MUSIC MAN, BARNUM, BRIGADOON, MAN OF LA MANCHA, INHERIT THE WIND, JOSEPH '96, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST, BABY and THE TAMING OF THE SHREW on the Civic Theatre stage. Ron is a vice president and agricultural/commercial loan officer at the Churubusco State Bank.

Joel D. Scribner (Angie the Ox) last was seen in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at the Civic Theatre. He would like to dedicate this show to his children Caecilia and Jonathon. Thanks for letting Daddy fly! Thanks also to their mother, Laura, and special thanks to Elaine-here's to the future.

Douglas Holle (Big Jule) is making his Civic Theatre debut and has always loved the theatre. His previous job, which involved extensive travel, prevented him from participating in one of his favorite hobbies. An elder at Aboite Lutheran Church, he participates in the choir and teaching in the children's ministry. He and his wife, Camille, are the proud parents of Aubrey, their eight-year-old daughter

Tony Didier (Harry the Horse/Hot Box Master of Ceremonies) last was seen in the musical BABY at the Civic Theatre. GUYS AND DOLLS is one of Tony's favorite shows and he is elated to finally do a show with his uncle, Tom Didier. Tony is an active member in theatre at Saint Francis College. His favorite role so far has been John the Baptist in GODSPELL, at Saint Francis.

Jacob Franklin (Newspaper Boy) comes from a long line of performers and is proud to be working with his father, Al Franklin. Jacob performs with Shades of Friendship choir at Ward Elementary, plays soccer and is looking forward to playing football this summer

Scott E. Nedberg (Lt. Brannigan) has appeared in more than a dozen productions in the Fort Wayne area over the last two years including THE MIRACLE WORKER, LONDON SUITE and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at the Civic Theatre. Scott's love for theatre is only surpassed by his love for Erin, Mike, Maddy and Jennifer

Gerald Belville (Arvide) was born and raised in Marion, Indiana, and moved to Fort Wayne four years ago. While in Marion he appeared in YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU and JOSEPH at the Marion Civic Theatre. In Fort Wayne he has appeared at Grey Lite Theatre in ARSENIC AND OLD LACE and FOREVER PLAID. He is making his Civic Theatre debut.

Patricia Pruitt (General Cartwright) is making her Civic Theatre debut and working on her first theatrical production since college. Being a part of GUYS AND DOLLS has been a dream come true for rig, hen She loves theatre and in her spare time enjoys singing, dancing, cooking and spending time with her son, Casey Gemayel. Thanks, Casey, for your love and support.

Carol Castleman (Martha, a Missionary) last was seen on the Civic Theatre stage in COMEDY OF ERRORS and INHERIT THE WIND. A devoted theatre volunteer, she has worked backstage for ten different shows over the last few years. Carol would like to thank Al Franklin for his confidence and her son Terry for his inspiration.

Jacy Dahm (Mary, a Missionary) is making her Civic Theatre debut. A senior at Bishop Dwenger High School, Jacy has performed there in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS and COTTON PATCH C as well as RAGS TO RICHES and WIZARD OF OZ for the Fort Wayne Youtheatre.

Libby Dasbach (Agatha, a Missionary) is returning to the Theatre stage after three recent performances at Grey Lite Thc including ARSENIC AND OLD LACE, ANNIE and WONDERFUL TENNESSEE. She would like to thank her family for their continued support.

Kerry Arnold (Guy) is making his Civic Theatre debut. K recently performed in SOUND OF MUSIC and MUSIC MAN at Ht ton Community Theatre and I HATE HAMLET and PIRATES OF PENZANCE at Pulse Opera House in Warren, Indiana. He also director of Campus Computing Services at Huntington College,

Steve Hutton (Guy/Missionary) is making his Civic Theaatre debut and is the owner of Bluffton Gymnastics Academy. A graduate of Norwell High School, Steve has performed there in UP THE DOWN STAIRCASE and ARSENIC AND OLD LACE.

Sara Black (Mimi, a Hot Box Girl/Dance Captain) has been dancing since she was five years old and often has served as dance captain during her 15 years performing at the Civic Theatre. She also has choreographed musicals at Arena Dinner Theatre and for the Unity Lutheran School "Unity Singers." She recently was awarded the Arena Theatre's Director's Award for her choreography in THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS.

Michele Bollman (Hot Box Girl) is making her Civic Theatre debut. Previously she had the challenge of playing a color (Purple) in SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE at First Presbyterian Theatre. She would like to thank her parents and wonderful friends for their constant support and encouragement.

Heather Brackeen (Hot Box Girl) has been featured in several local theatres, including Civic where she received an Anthony Award for her performance in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST. She most recently was featured as Mrs. Kate Keller in the enormously popular MIRACLE WORKER at the Civic Theatre.

Becky Gall (Hot Box Girl) recently performed in THE GERSHWIN GALA with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic at the Embassy Theatre and has appeared in JOSEPH '96 and BARNUM at the Civic Theatre. Becky and her husband, David, also direct and choreograph "Mimetime," their church youth group, in which their son Daniel is actively involved.

Samantha Hills (Hot Box Girl) last was seen in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and JOSEPH '96 at the Civic Theatre. She recently portrayed Mariane in TARTUFFE at First Presbyterian Theatre. Off stage she is director of administration at Ash, Nickols and Janik. She would like to thank her husband, Kent, for his love and support.

Cathy Christoff (Hot Box Girl) last appeared on the Civic Theatre stage in DANCING GERSHWIN and is an Anthony Award winner for her performance as Annie in LIFE WITH FATHER. Cathy is a compliance attorney at American Specialty Insurance Services in Roanoke and the mother to Julia, Christoff and Kate.

Tracey Buckmaster (Doll) is a preschool teacher at T.L.C. Childcare Center and is making her Civic Theatre debut. She as appeared at Grey Lite Theatre as Sr. Robert Anne in NUNSENSE and at Arena Theatre in BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, OF THEE I SING and THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG.

Tina Miller-Irmscher (Doll) is making her Civic Theatre debut. She most recently was seen in SHE LOVES ME and THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG at Arena Theatre and is a past member of the Philharmonic Chorus. She and her husband, Chris, also spend quality time with their four retired racing greyhounds and two cats.

Jennifer A. Ford (Doll) last was seen at the Civic Theatre in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. She is a librarian at the Aboite Branch of the Allen County Public Library and she thanks her very supportive co-workers. She would also like to thank her mother and father for all of their support and encouragement.

William Andrews (Guy) is a theatre major at IPFW and last was seen in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, THE SECRET GARDEN and THE COMEDY OF ERRORS at the Civic Theatre. He has appeared in THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG and PHILADELPHIA STORY at Arena Dinner Theatre and THE GERSHWIN GALA with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.

Bob Ahlersmeyer (Guy/Waiter/Cop) last was seen in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW at the Civic Theatre. He also has performed in TARTUFFE at First Presbyterian Theatre and OKLAHOMA and DAVID AND LISA at New Haven High School, his alma mater Bob will be the assistant director for the Wildcat Baseball League in New Haven this summer

Curtis Shaw (Guy) is making his fifth appearance on the Civic Theatre stage. His previous credits include THE MUSIC MAN, MAN OF LA MANCHA and JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, both 1994 and 1996. He recently played I. Pierrepont Finch in HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING at Snider Galaxy.

Jay Allan Kline (Guy/Cop) is working on his third show at the Civic Theatre. His previous credits include THE KING AND I and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Jay considers the Civic a great growth opportunity for himself and appreciates all of the hard work, talent and dedication it takes from everyone to produce a Civic production.

Charles Suder (Guy) is a junior at South Side High School and takes tap, jazz, ballet, ballroom and swing dance lessons. Charles also works as a professional clown and works a variety of birthday and company parties. He has appeared in THE NUTCRACKER at the Performing Arts Center and he is making his Civic Theatre debut.

John Strachan (Guy) last was seen at the Civic Theatre in FOREVER PLAID, where he "smudged" his way into our hearts. He also has appeared in WEST SIDE STORY as Riff and in FUNNY GIRL at Purdue-Indiana Theatre. In his spare time he is the visual manager at Kittles Furniture.

Michael Nelaborige (Guy) last was seen in FOREVER PLAID and has worked for ten years professionally as a singer/dancer with credits in New York and Florida. Other Fort Wayne appearances include A CHORUS LINE and THE FANTASTIKS. Settled again in Fort Wayne, he is thrilled to be working for Vera Bradley Designs.

Bill Wunderlin (Rehearsal Stage Manager) has worked on more than 90 shows, including HDDLER ON THE ROOF, THE SECRET GARDEN, THE KING AND I, MAMA'S TURN and JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. He won a second Civic Technical Anthony in 1995, becoming the first person in Civic history to do so. He also received a Service to the Theatre Award from Arena Theatre in 1994, as well as best director for BABY.

Joyce Van Ry (Performance Stage Manager) is working on her fourth show this season at the Civic Theatre, having assistant stage managed FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and THE TAMING OF THE SHREW and having stage managed THE MIRACLE WORKER. GUYS AND DOLLS marks Joyce's 50th Civic Theatre show that she has worked back stage. Congratulations, Joyce!

Josh Osbun (Assistant Stage Manager) is currently working or his 25th theatrical production in his young career. A senior at Concordia Lutheran High School, he has performed at a variety of local theatres and has earned his Master Technician Certificate from working backstage at the Civic. In college, he hopes to major in stage management.

Thomas E Didier (Sky Masterson) is no stranger to the Civic Theatre stage, having delighted audiences with his Anthony Award-winning performances as the pharaoh in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT.

He also has appeared in WEST SIDE STORY, OKLAHOMA, GREASE and CINDERELLA at the Civic. A representative for U.S. Foodservice, he would like to thank his loving wife Mary for all of her support and thank God for all that has been given to him.

Sharon V. Nelson (Sarah Brown) is making her Civic Theatre debut. Sharon was recently seen in NUNSENSE and ANNIE at Greylite Theatre. Sharon is a 911 dispatch supervisor with the Allen County Police Department and extends her sincere thanks to her co-workers for their theatrical support. Sharon also shares this thought, "To my husband, thank you! Without you, I wouldn't be here-I love you!"

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