The site of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, Ford’s Theatre is a national historic site and a working theater that honors Lincoln’s love of the performing arts with productions that captivate and entertain.
From March 13 to May 20, 2020, Ford’s Theatre presents a new production of the beloved 1950s musical comedy Guys and Dolls. Dice-slinging gamblers, pious missionaries and glamorous showgirls come together for a light-hearted romp through New York. It’s a high-stakes game of love as brash but charming Nathan Detroit bets Sky Masterson $1,000 to woo missionary Sarah Brown. Meanwhile, cabaret singer Adelaide tries to convince Nathan, her fiancé of 14 years, to finally tie the knot.
Peter Flynn (Into the Woods, Ragtime) returns to direct this classic, featuring the showstoppers “Luck be a Lady,” “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “Take Back Your Mink” and more.
“I’m a big believer in the idea that a wager brings you more than you had before, even if you don’t get what you wanted,” said Flynn. “It’s the gamble you put forth in who you are and what you really want that is exciting—and you will see that spirit in the characters, in the music, in the dances and the dialogue of Guys and Dolls.”
“There is a poise, elegance and sophistication that all the characters use to pick a pocket, to place a bet, to make a date, and to live life,” Flynn continued. “This is a story of persevering, of individuals who are Olympian about what they want: a steady income, a home, a family and to be loved. These universal truths are the root of the human story for each and every one of us. I cannot wait to bring this story to life on stage this spring!”
Introduce your students to this classic American musical in a historic theater unlike any other.
Guys and Dolls
March 13 – May 20, 2020
Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser
Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows
Based on a story and characters of Damon Runyon
Choreographed by Dell Howlett
Directed by Peter Flynn
For details, visit Ford’s Theatre.
Courtesy of Ford’s Theatre.
Photo of Karen Vincent, Bueka Uwemedimo, Joe Mallon and Maria Egler by Scott Suchman. Courtesy of Ford’s Theatre.
