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GUYS AND DOLLS

A Musical Fable of Broadway

Based on a story and characters by

DAMON RUNYON

Music and Lyrics by FRANK LOESSER
Book by JO SWERLING and ABE BURROWS

 
Guys and Dolls is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com
 
 
Directed by
Greg Morton
Tom Yenchick
Musical Director
Denise Wisneski
 
Choreographer
Gail Oldfield
 
 
Featuring
 
Christa Wisneski
Carey Rumpf
Greg Berlin
Patricia Rhoads
Catherine Simpson
Eric Thompson
 
Tom Pitt
Bob Goretski
Bill Thomer
Liam McClure
Jan Swarr
Tom Cappelli
Eleanor Wanamaker
Janine Weiss
Paul Mansfield
Bruce Kautsky
Olga Skvortsova
Phil Kautsky
Donna Daugherty
 
 

Pit Musicians

Piano............................................Denise Wisneski

Violins..................Gus Spector and Keala TeKoste

Flute......................................................Pat Dewald

Reeds...............Donna Higgins and Michael Smith

Horn...................................................Neil Goldberg

Trumpet.....................................Michael Bromberg

Michael Maizel (June 3 and 11)

Paul Feldman (June 24)

Trombone..............................................John Braun

Craig Cleveland ( June 24-26)

Drums.................................................Jeff Sherman

 

ANY VIDEO RECORDING MADE OF THIS PERFORMANCE IS AUTHORIZED FOR NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY. THE DOWNLOAD, SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF SUCH RECORDING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED UNDER FEDERAL COPYRIGHT LAW.
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DIRECTOR'S NOTES

Thank you all for attending this production of Guys and Dolls at Forge Theatre. I have wanted to direct this glorious show for years and after a couple of years delay due to COVID, it is wonderful to finally have this fun musical being experienced again.

Guys and Dolls holds a very special place in my heart since the very first show i saw at Forge was Guys and Dolls.  I was a college student at the time and came to see the show because my college friend Judy was in it.  How amazing to think that a couple of years later I would audition for My Fair Lady and become a long time member of Forge and make so many life long friends.  It is rather touching for me that i have come full circle with this show and i am very grateful to all who have seen my acting and or my directing work at Forge.

As all productions recently have faced so many challenges, this one as well has had a few big ones. I am grateful to Tom Yenchick especially who took over directing my show for 3 weeks due to my illness and for my cast and crew who came behind him and Denise to keep the show moving forward .  I would like to dedicate this show to Hal Holzer who i dearly miss to this day for being my inspired friend and mentor, especially as a director.  I also have to be thankful to our guardian Angel, Brian Schwartz who we also miss so much.

I hope you all will enjoy the show and leave humming a few famous tunes, and with a smile on your faces . 

Thanks,

Greg Morton, Director

 


SPECIAL THANKS

St. Mary of the Assumption Church for the use of the (blessed) podium in the mission

Devlin Rosmos Gatcha Funeral Home and George Michael Gatcha for loaning us the mission chairs

Barley Sheaf Players, Tracy Bell and cast for Props

 


Song List

ACT ONE

Scene 1: BROADWAY

“Opening/Runyonland”……………………………….Full Cast

“Fugue for Tinhorns”…………………………………..Nicely, Benny, Rusty

“Follow the Fold”……………………………………...Sarah, Mission Band

“The Oldest Established”………………………………Nathan, Benny, Nicely, Gamblers

“Follow the Fold” (Reprise)……………………………Sarah, Mission Band

Scene 2: SAVE A SOUL MISSION

“I’ll Know”……………………………………………..Sarah, Sky

Scene 3: PHONEBOOTH…………………………….Joey Biltmore, Nathan

Scene 4: HOT BOX NIGHTCLUB

“A Bushel and a Peck”…………………………………...Adelaide, Hot Box Girls

“Adelaide’s Lament”………………………………..…Adelaide

Scene 5: BROADWAY

“Guys and Dolls”……………………………………....Benny, Nicely, Gamblers

Scene 6: SAVE A SOUL MISSION

Scene 7: BROADWAY

Scene 8: HAVANA

“Havana”……………………………………………...Sarah, Sky, Chorus

Scene 9: HAVANA

“If I Were a Bell”……………..........................................Sarah, Sky

Scene 10: BROADWAY

“I’ve Never Been in Love Before”……………………Sarah, Sky

 

ACT TWO

Scene 1: HOT BOX NIGHTCLUB

“Take Back Your Mink”………………………...……..Adelaide, Hot Box Girls

“Adelaide’s Second Lament”………………………….Adelaide

Scene 2: BROADWAY (A PARK BENCH)

Scene 3: SEWER

“Luck Be a Lady”……………………………………....…Sky, Nathan, Gamblers

Scene 4: BROADWAY

“Sue Me”………………………………………………Nathan, Adelaide

Scene 5: SAVE A SOUL MISSION

“Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat…………………….Nicely, Chorus

Scene 6: BROADWAY

“Marry the Man Today”……………………………….Adelaide, Sarah

Scene 7: BROADWAY

“The Happy Ending”…………………………………...Full Cast

 


Cast

Christa Wisneski

Adelaide
Tom Pitt

Nathan Detroit
Janine Weiss

Sarah Brown
Carey Rumpf

Sky Masterson
Bob Goretski

Nicely-Nicely Johnson
Paul Mansfield

Arvide Abernathy
Greg Berlin

Big Julie
Bill Thomer

Benny Southstreet
Bruce Kautsky

Lt. Brannigan/Calvin
Patricia Rhoads

General Matilda B. Cartwright
Liam McClure

Rusty Charlie/Joey/Ensemble
Olga Skvortsova

Dance Captain/Mimi/Hot Box Dancer
Catherine Simpson

Mistress of Ceremonies/Mission Board/Ensemble
Jan Swarr

Agatha/Ensemble
Phil Kautsky

Angie the Ox/Ensemble
Eric Thompson

Harry the Horse
Tom Cappelli

Gambler/Ensemble
Donna Daugherty

Hot Box Dancer
Eleanor Wanamaker

Martha/Ensemble

Creative Team

Gregory Morton

Director, Producer
Tom Yenchick

Director, Set Design
Denise Wisneski

Musical Director
Gail Oldfield

Choreographer
Tracy Bell

Stage Manager
Debbie Young

Costumer Designer
Ian Alexander

Sound Effects
Nicole Napolitano

Set Decoration Lead/Set Painting
Sean Murray

Set Painting
Tracy Bell and Cast

Props
Tim Kautsky

Crew
Jeff Sherman and Ryan Edmonds

Light Design
Ron Quirk, Abby Gould and Kelly Fitzgerald

Light and Sound Technicians
Greg Morton, Kathy Saylor

Photos
Marsha Amato-Greenspan

Headshots, Program

Meet the Company


Christa Wisneski (Adelaide)
Christa is beyond thrilled to be back LIVE and in person at Forge in a role that she has wanted to play for about 30 years…which is the same amount of time since she first appeared on Forge’s stage as the "Balloon Girl" in Gypsy, although she’s been running around backstage since 1984. What a long, strange trip it’s been to get this production to you. Our journey started well over two years ago and has overcome many obstacles since we first started our journey. However, as a cast & crew we rose like a Phoenix from the ashes. Christa would like to thank our two Directors, Greg & Tom Y. Greg, thank you for starting us on this journey, as well as trusting me and allowing me to bring Adelaide to life. Thank you to Tom Y., for getting us through the remaining obstacles and to the finish line. Denise, thank you for giving me the gift of music and theatre and being the best Musical Director, anyone could ask for. Thank you, Tracy & Tim, for managing us on and backstage! Christa would like to dedicate this run to two very special people that we lost and miss terribly. Linda Mandlowitz, who saw something in her that she didn’t see in herself and wouldn’t be the director or performer she is today without her; and to Brian Schwartz, who we all miss dearly but know is with us in spirit on stage every single night!
Tom Pitt (Nathan Detroit)
Tom Pitt (Nathan Detroit) is excited to return to musical comedy after stretching his dramatic muscles as Beethoven in Forge’s recent production of "33 Variations." Thanks to my wife Liz for her constant love, support, and endless patience. As always, I dedicate my performance to my two supporting Angels; My mom, who gave me my love of singing and Dr. William Gile a director, mentor and friend who turned an interest in theater into a passion that can never be extinguished. Though you are both gone, you are certainly not forgotten.
Janine Weiss (Sarah Brown)
Janine is absolutely ringing to be a part of this amazing cast. Past stage roles include Kate Monster in "Avenue Q," Millie in "Thoroughly Modern Millie," Janet Van de Graff in "The Drowsy Chaperone," and Maria in "Sound of Music." In real life, she spends her days singing and strumming guitars with middle-schoolers. She graciously thanks her loving husband for encouraging her to chase her passion, and who continued to conquer bed-time with her three favorite munchkins during months of rehearsal. From one accomplished prude to the next: relish the laughs with these successful sinners.
Carey Rumpf (Sky Masterson)
Carey is very excited to be able to be involved in this production of "Guys and Dolls," the show that made him want to get involved in theater way too many years ago. Many thanks to Greg, Denise, Tom and the entire production staff for the opportunity. Thanks also to the cast members that have waited these 2 years to do this and also a big thanks to all of the cast members that have joined in to bring this show to fruition. Mostly, thanks to all of you, our audience members, that come out to see these shows that we do. Thank you for your support.
Bob Goretski (Nicely-Nicely Johnson)
Bob has been hanging around Forge for a long time. This is his second time playing Nicely-Nicely so does that make him Nicely Nicely Nicely Nicely? Bob is hoping to do justice to the part in memory of Brian Schwartz who left us halfway through the woods. Fun fact, the last time Bob was Nicely-Nicely Live Aid was playing at JFK in Philadelphia.
Paul Mansfield (Arvide Abernathy)
Paul began his acting career at age 9 in 1967-68, when he appeared in Carl Reiner's Broadway comedy Something Different. He has appeared in musical productions on many local stages, including The Walnut Street Theatre (Alexander and theTerrible. . .Day) and The Prince Theatre (Dreamgirls). Most recently, he appeared as the Devil and Judge Sewall in The South Camden Theatre Company's production of Abigail (2020), Reverend Hopkins in the Knauer Theatre's production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2021), Lt. Brannigan in The Levoy Theatre's production of Guys & Dolls (2021), and Officer Krupke in the Footlighters recent production of West Side Story (2022). This is the first time Paul is portraying Arvide, having played Nicely Nicely (Rose Valley Musical Theatre) and Rusty Charley (Ritz Theatre Company). He has portrayed Jud Fry in Oklahoma at both Longwood Gardens and the Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre. Paul has also done background work on many television shows and movies, including Saturday Night Live, The Sopranos, and Law & Order. Paul is a graduate of Rutgers College (summa cum laude) and New York University School of Law.
Greg Berlin (Big Julie)
Greg is excited to be back on the stage after a 42 year hiatus. His last musical was in college, and he is doing a reprise of his role as Big Julie. He has been a long time singer as a member of the Mainliners Barbershop Chorus, where he is the MC of the group, and a frequent “actor” as part of their shows. Always one to try something new, he would like to acknowledge the patience and understanding of his lovely wife Sandy for indulging him.
Bill Thomer (Benny Southstreet)
Bill is thrilled to return to the Forge Theatre and wants to thank Greg for giving him this wonderful opportunity. While pursuing a B.A. in Theater, he has performed in such shows as "Guys and Dolls," "West Side Story," and "Jesus Christ Superstar." He later performed in "The Foreigner" as Ellard, "Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?" as Felix, and has been involved with several children’s theater companies. Bill returned to the stage in 2016 as Caiaphas, in "Jesus Christ Superstar," after a 25-year hiatus to raise his family. In 2017, Bill played Harry and 3 other roles, in "My Fair Lady," was Captain of the Inquisition and a Muleteer in "Man Of La Mancha" here at the Forge Theatre, and was Herman in "Sweet Charity." When not performing, Bill is an IT Engineer by day and a seasoned karaoke singer by night.
Bruce Kautsky (Lt. Brannigan/Calvin)
Bruce, playing the part of Lt. Brannigan, comes to the show from the Bryn Mawr Mainliners, a barbershop chorus of ~25 men singing 4-part harmony for various events and festivals in the Chester County area. Bruce has some experience in various roles in skits performed as part of Mainliner shows. He is a competent trombone player and baritone singer, and is enthusiastic about his first involvement with community theater at Forge!
Patricia Rhoads (General Matilda B. Cartwright)
Pat last appeared at Forge in the ensemble of "L'il Abner," and she is very happy to be in "Guys and Dolls", her favorite musical! Offstage, Pat likes to read, cook, and waste time on YouTube.
Liam McClure (Rusty Charlie/Joey/Ensemble)
Liam is excited to be in Forge Theatre for the first time since he did "Thoroughly Modern Millie" back in the fall of 2014, and his first stage appearance since November of 2017. He did the Junior version of "Guys and Dolls" when he was in Middle School. He would like to thank his mentor Greg Morton and his late director and former drum teacher, Dr. Larry Anderson for all the help and support they provided. His favorite role on stage was Prince Chulalongkorn from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s "The King & I." He would also like to dedicate his performances to his late friend and cast mate on stage, Neil Patel. He hopes you all enjoy the show.
Olga Skvortsova (Dance Captain/Mimi/Hot Box Dancer)
Olga is so happy to be in her third production at Forge! Her stage debut was "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" (Ensemble) here at Forge in 2017. She was also in the Ensemble of Forge’s production of "All Shook Up." She is super excited to cross “Dance in a cabaret” off her bucket list. She would like to thank Greg and the entire "Guys and Dolls" team for this opportunity. Much love and thanks to my wonderful family and friends for their encouragement and support. And a very special Thank You to our choreographer and my amazing dance teacher, Gail Oldfield, who taught me to tap and so much more.
Catherine Simpson (Mistress of Ceremonies/Mission Board/Ensemble)
Catherine is excited to be in her first show at Forge. She has previously been seen as an ensemble member in "Little Women" and a Bridesmaid in "Brigadoon" at Owen J Roberts High School. She is incredibly thankful to everyone involved in this production for making it such an amazing experience. Additionally, she would like to thank her family and boyfriend for their overwhelming support.
Jan Swarr (Agatha/Ensemble)
Jan joined the Forge Family in 1990 for "Sugar Babies," and has been singing, dancing, acting and producing on the Forge boards for over three decades. "Guys and Dolls is my all-time favorite Broadway show and I am beyond thrilled and grateful to be part of this incredible production. Although I'm a wannabe Grandma Hot Box Belly Dancer, my favorite all time LIFE role is Abuela (Grandma) Jan to Isabel, VJ and Reagan. Al, this one's for you!"
Phil Kautsky (Angie the Ox/Ensemble)
Phil is enjoying playing the part of Angie the Ox. He too is a Bryn Mawr Mainliner and is very much enjoying his debut in the exciting theater community at Forge. Phil is a past participant in the Acting Antics program, which provides, through music and theater arts, social instruction to students with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum or with other deficits in social understanding.
Eric Thompson (Harry the Horse)
After years of hibernation, Eric Thompson has emerged from his cave, ready to climb back on stage. Eric is happy to present his spring squawking to the Forge Theatre as Harry the Horse.
Tom Cappelli (Gambler/Ensemble)
After a couple year hiatus, Tom is happy to be returning to Forge Theater. Some of his previous credits at Forge include Mr. Sowerberry in "Oliver!," Biff Baker in "The 1940’s Radio Hour," and Nick in "Over the River and Through the Woods." He thanks his friends and family for their support.
Donna Daugherty (Hot Box Dancer)
Donna is thrilled to return to her old stomping grounds (literally!) after an almost 30-year absence from the Forge stage! She has been active in professional and amateur theater in the tri-state area for over 40 years and recently appeared in "Something Rotten" at The Barn and in "The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940" at Steel River Playhouse. Pre-COVID, Donna appeared at Steel River in "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" (Princess Puffer) and at Candlelight Theatre in "Cabaret" (Fraulein Schneider), a couple of her favorite roles for “women of a certain age”. An attorney by day, Donna also sings with and is the resident choreographer for the Valley Forge Chorus – past Sweet Adeline small chorus regional champions heading to international competition in Phoenix this fall. Love to Dan.
Eleanor Wanamaker (Martha/Ensemble)
From the pit band to the theater stage, Eleanor is excited to be in her first on stage role in “Guys and Dolls”. Her favorite credits include guitar in “Head Over Heels” at Forge, and drums in “Miscast Cabaret” at Hopewell church. She never would’ve guessed she would be on stage after years in the pit and would like to thank Denise Wisneski for the opportunity to be involved with the cast. She would like her parents for their constant support in everything she does!
Gregory Morton (Director, Producer)
Greg is a long time member of Forge since being cast in "My Fair Lady" by my dearly beloved friend, Hal Holzer. Fun past performances include, "Anything Goes," "Sugar Babies," "Man of LaMancha," and "The Full Monty." Favorite directing experiences include: "Thoroughly Modern Millie," "The Sound of Music," "Steel Magnolias," "The Boys Next Door," "1940’s Radio Hour" and "The Wisdom of Eve." Special thanks to my cast and crew for coming behind me during my recent illness and recovery and very special mention to Tom Yenchick for coming to my rescue to help direct this production in my time of need. Sit back and enjoy this timeless musical classic, "Guys and Dolls!"
Tom Yenchick (Director, Set Design)
Tom has been seen on the stage at Forge as well as behind the scenes. On stage recently, he has been seen in “The Laramie Project”, “The Man Who Came To Dinner”, and “110 Stories”. Behind the scenes he has directed and choreographed “All Shook Up” and “Head Over Heels”, directed “Clue: on line” and choreographed “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.” He is also directing and choreographing the upcoming productions of “Carrie: The Musical” and “Xanadu”. Tom serves on the Board of Directors of the theater. When not at the theater he is a second grade teacher and also directs the middle school musical in his district, which consumes his free time in the spring.
Denise Wisneski (Musical Director)
Denise dedicates this one in loving memory of Brian Schwartz and Linda Mandlowitz, and to daughter Christa who has waited 24 years to play Adelaide. Whichever way you roll the dice, "Guys and Dolls" is a winner. Now, "Let's Shoot Crap." Thanks for supporting live theater and Forge.
Gail Oldfield (Choreographer)
As dancer, choreographer, and teacher, Gail has come full circle. From touring the country in her early career to performing as a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall, she is fortunate to have numerous memorable memories. She was Dance Director at Cabrini College for several years, as well as, choreographer for over eighty musical stage productions across the tri-county area and New York City. A number of which were at FORGE. In recent years, she was able to return to the stage in a production company that traveled from Atlantic City to dinner theatres throughout the country. For the past 20 years, Gail has created the dances for Devon Prep’s musical productions.

Multimedia



Adelaide and Sarah


The cast in Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat




Sky and Sarah


Nathan, Adelaide, Sky and Sarah


The Mission



Stage Manager Tracy Bell (r.) and Crew Tim Kautsky (l.)


Performances June 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 @ 8PM June 19 & 26 @ 2PM Music and Lyrics by FRANK LOESSER Book by JO SWERLING and ABE BURROWS Production Staff Greg Morton..........................Director Kate Bianco...........................Producer Denise Wisneski.....Music Director Gail Oldfield............Choreographer Tracy Bell...................Stage Manager Debbie Young...Costume Designer Tom Yenchick..............Set Designer Ian Alexander...........Sound Effects Guys and Dolls is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.comUP NEXT AT FORGE THEATRE

Performances July 22nd and 23rd @ 8PM
July 24th @ 2PM

 

Book by Lawrence D. Cohen; Lyrics by Dean Pitchford;

Music by Michael Gore

Directed by Tom Yenchick and Musical Directed by Denise Wisneski

Carrie White is a teenage outcast who longs to fit in. At school, she’s bullied by the popular crowd, and virtually invisible to everyone else. At home, she's dominated by her loving but cruelly controlling mother. What none of them know is that Carrie’s just discovered she’s got a special power, and if pushed too far, she’s not afraid to use it.


Carrie: The Musical is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals www.concordtheatricals.com

ANNOUNCING AUDITIONS FOR XANADU

Director Tom Yenchick and musical director Denise Wisneski re seeking a diverse and energetic cast of 9 adults (5 females and 4 males) for this musical comedy. The show runs Sept. 9 through Oct. 2.

June 5th @ 2PM
June 6th @ 7 PM 

Rehearsals Sunday afternoons, Monday and Wednesday evenings to the end of July then Sun. evenings, Tues. and Thurs. evenings. All role are open. The ability to roller skate is an asset.

Visit our website www.forgetheatre.org for more information


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2022-23 Season



Carrie: The Musical - July 22-23 @ 8PM; July 24, 2022 @ 2PM Book by Lawrence D. Cohen; Lyrics by Dean Pitchford; Music by Michael Gore Adapted from Stephen King's 1974 novel Carrie Directed by Tom Yenchick Musical Directed by Denise Wisneski


XANADU Sept. 9 to Oct. 2, 2022 Book by Douglas Carter Beane; Music and Lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar Auditions: June 5 & 6, 2022 @7PM; Directed by Tom Yenchick and Musical Directed by Denise Wisneski


GOD OF CARNAGE by Yasmina Reza Nov. 4 through Nov. 20, 2022; Auditions: July 31 & Aug. 1, 2022 @7PM; Directed by Aaron Gould


LOVE, LOSS, and WHAT I WORE by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron; Based on the book by Ilene Beckerman Jan. 6 through 22, 2023; Auditions: Sept. 11 &13, 2022 @7PM Directed by Christa Wisneski; Assistant Director Kelly Fitzgerald


A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE by Tennessee Williams Feb. 24 through March 12, 2023; ​Auditions: Nov. 6 & 7 @7PM; Directed by Renee Schultz


SHAKESPEARE IN THE TRAILER PARK by V. Mark Covington and Sharon Cacciabaudo April 14 through 30, 2023; Auditions – Jan 8, 10 @7PM; Directed by Marsha L. Amato-Greenspan; Assistant Director Jeff Greenspan


GODSPELL Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz; Book by John-Michael Tebelak June 2 through 25, 2023 Auditions – Feb. 26 & 27 @7PM Directed by Christa Wisneski; Assistant Director Tom Pitt