‘Guys and Dolls’ live musical opens at Clear Space March 12

Watch how the dice roll at Clear Space Theatre.  “Guys and Dolls,” considered by many as the perfect musical comedy, will be on stage Fridays through Sundays, March 12 through 28.  Music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, book by Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling, “Guys and Dolls” is set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City.

Gambler Nathan Detroit, played by David Button, tries to find the cash to set up the biggest craps game in town while the authorities breathe down his neck; meanwhile, his girlfriend and nightclub performer Adelaide, played by Autumn Schneider, laments that they've been engaged for 14 years. 

Nathan turns to fellow gambler Sky Masterson for the dough, and Sky ends up chasing the straight-laced missionary Sarah Brown as a result. 

The show takes place from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City, but eventually everyone ends up right where they belong. Dover native Conor McGiffin returns to play Sky Masterson, and Marian Sunnergren, last seen in “The Music Man” and “Into the Woods,” returns to play Sarah Brown.  “Guys and Dolls” is directed by Lorraine Leavel, last seen onstage in “Steel Magnolias,” and the wonderfully talented Melanie Bradley is the music director.

Autumn Schneider, last seen in “Kiss Me Kate” and “Mamma Mia!,” is back onstage as Adelaide.  Schneider is also bringing her dance talent to the production as choreographer. “This is a show that has been off my radar for over 20 years, but when I was presented the opportunity to play Adelaide opposite David, I couldn’t say yes fast enough.  We have so much fun working together,” shares Schneider.  

“Choreographing and performing has been challenging, but working with Lorraine and Melanie, not to mention the cast, makes the double-duty work far less painful. We all wear multiple hats!  That’s how we make it work.”

Button, Clear Space Theatre’s artistic director, is returning to the stage for the first time in two years.  Button has been the primary director at Clear Space for several years, and is excited to trade hats with Lorraine Steinhoff Leavel.  

“I’m super excited to play Nathan Detroit. I love playing the over-the-top characters and this is a role I’ve always wanted to play,” said Button.  

“I felt very comfortable turning the role of director over to Lorraine.  Her experience and insights bring so much to the production, and I feel like this will be a show we can all be very proud of.”

“Guys and Dolls” opens Friday, March 12, and runs Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., through March 28.  Socially distanced tables for two and four are available for $59 or $115 and sold online at www.ClearSpaceTheatre.org or by calling the box office, 302-227-2270.

Clear Space Theatre thanks 2021 Season Sponsors Alice and Alfred Willis and Show Sponsors Ida and Jeff Rowe for their ongoing support.

Clear Space Theatre is a nonprofit regional theatre serving residents and visitors to Southern Delaware since 2004.  Clear Space performs 13 shows during its season and has year-round performing arts opportunities for children and adults. Clear Space is located at 20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach.