Dish-Houston

BY DISH CONTRIBUTOR SCOTT ARTHUR:

Some things never get old – they just get better. Such is the case of the new original production of Guys and Dolls at the Hobby Center running through October 7. This musical is all TUTS – and the quality shows.

As a plot review – here is the story in a nutshell: When chronic gambler, Nathan Detroit, finds himself in need of funds to support his floating craps game, Save-a-Soul Missions ultimate good girl Sgt. Sarah Brown, becomes the center of a wager between gamblers Nathan and Sky Masterson. Saddled with an additional distraction, Nathan must keep his long-time show-girl fiancé, Adelaide, from finding out about his continued gambling while dodging a trip down the aisle and the police. Throw in a pack of dancing gamblers and all bets are off with this golden age swing-era musical comedy and winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and Best Musical Revival

1981 beauty queen (Former Miss America) Susan Powell plays Sarah and is no stranger to the TUTS stage.

“I love working in Houston – and I love to eat Tex Mex,” she said. The Oklahoma native lives in New York and is excited about the cast. “98% of them are from New York.”

This Damon Runyon classic is her favorite musical. Powell has played the role several times in her 30 year career and loves the extremes of the character.

“In the beginning she is so righteous and then she gets drunk and becomes just the opposite. I love this role – and I play a great drunk!” she laughed.

Indeed, she fits into the cast like a well tailored glove, entertainingly sliding from “good girl” to “good time girl” with little effort.

Chasing after Brown’s affection is Sky Masterson, performed by Joseph Mahowald.  Audiences will remember Mahowald most recently from 2010’s 9 to 5 as Franklin Hart, Jr.  He has also appeared in Broadway’s Jekyll & Hyde and Les Misérables.

Acting in the role of loveable chronic gambler Nathan Detroit is Matt Merchant whose regional credits include the title role in Bye Bye Birdie as well as Beauty and the Beast and Carousel.  Starring opposite Merchant is longtime Broadway professional Jen Cody as Miss Adelaide, Detroit’s fiancée for 14 years and lead entertainer at the Hot Box.  Cody last appeared at TUTS as Bonnie Latour in Anything Goes and lists Cats and Beauty and the Beast among her Broadway credits.

Guys and Dolls officially starts Sept 27 CLICK HERE for tickets!