Gangsters, Gamblers, Guys, and Gals

Contributed

Catch the well-loved favorite Guys and Dolls on the LECOM stage at the Erie Playhouse this June, bringing audiences into the world of 1950s New York gangsters from the golden age of Broadway musicals.

PREMIERS FRIDAY, JUN. 14

Love is a gamble. At least that is what characters Nathan Detroit and Sky Masterson have determined in Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling's musical comedy, Guys and Dolls.

This Tony Award-winning production brings the world of 1950s New York gangsters and "dolls" to life in a truly captivating way. The down-on-his-luck con man Detroit must find a new venue to run his dice-rolling game, craps, following the police bust of his previous location. Unable to secure the payment needed for a new place, he challenges notorious high-roller Masterson to a bet that puts a little more than money on the line.

Director Almitra Clerkin felt honored when she was approached last August at the 2024 season launch party about directing and choreographing the show: "I was thrilled. I love that golden age of Broadway musicals. It was perfect timing and everything has come together very well."

Daniel Collette will serve as assistant director, with Heidi Sheehan as assistant choreographer.

Clerkin has held various positions including Youtheatre director, executive director, and developmental director with the Erie Playhouse.

Although she has worked on well over 300 productions in her time with the company, Guys and Dolls is special to her. She recounted various songs like the popular "Luck Be a Lady" that have been a staple in her own household over the years. "It has some of the best music ever written."

Devon Yates will be conducting from the musical's original scores by Frank Loesser.

"We have a lovely combination of theater veterans and people making their debuts in the cast," Clerkin stated. "I have had so much fun at our rehearsals."

Erie Playhouse's Mainstage debut talent will include: Joel Natalie, Sr. (Nicely-Nicely Johnson), Seth Howell (Rusty Charlie), Riley Herman (Isadora), Cassey Wright (Vivienne), Ophelia Gwyndolyn (Billie), and Ryah Lambert (Gwen).

Fridays and Saturdays, June 14 through June 30 at 7:30 p.m. // Thursday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, June 16 and June 30 at 2 p.m. // Erie Playhouse, 13 W. 10th St. // $19-30 // For tickets and info: erieplayhouse.org