Guys ‘n Dolls

“If we give as much happiness to our audiences as we have had during rehearsals, we will be content”, said Joan Fitzpatrick who is producing Sligo Drama Circle’s musical “Guys ‘n Dolls” which opens on Thursday November 15th at 8.00pm in the Hawk’s Well Theatre. Set in Brooklyn, the musical fable is based on a short story by Damon Runyon with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser who also composed the music for “Where’s Charlie?” Many of the characters are drawn from Runyon’s links with the crime world.

Sky Masterson, played by Vincent Ryan, is drawn on the life of Batt Masterson, one time sheriff of Dodge City, while Nathan Detroit, played by Robert Burnside, is based on Lou Clayton, a colourful gambler and cabaret partner of Jimmy Durante. Lieut. Brannigan is played by Walter Mc Donagh and Sarah Brown, a ‘mission doll’, who falls in love with Sky Masterson, with Jane Fitzpatrick playing Adelaide, the girlfriend of Nathan Detroit. Popular numbers in the show include – “I have Never Been in Love Before”, “A Bushel and a Peck”, “Luck Be a Lady”, “Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat” and the theme song “Guys ‘n Dolls”. It will be a trip down memory lane for those who remember the film version of the 70’s with Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, Frank Sinatra and Vivian Blaine.

Choreography is by Mary Mc Donagh and musical direction by Kathleen O’ Hara. The set is being designed and constructed by Neilus Flynn, Joe Meehan and Feilim O’ Doherty. There is a cast of 45 with Vincent Ryan and Margaret Curley in their first major roles. The cast also includes Cormac Sheridan, Liam Finan, Paddy Dooney, Enda Sheridan, Dermot Mc Dermott, Collette Mc Bride, Mai O’ Connor, Fr. Frank Downes, Bernadine Mc Gauran, Donal Mc Lynn and Kieran Moriarity. Costumes are being supplied by Derry O’ Donovan, Dublin. Opening night will be a Gala Performance in aid of the Mental Health Association.

“This is a dream come true for the Drama Circle”, said Joan, award-winning actress and producer of a number of plays and musicals. Last year her Tubbercurry entry won the Junior Tops of the Town. “To get this wonderful cast and find they were available has been a major achievement”, said Joan.

from The Sligo Weekender, November 9th, 1984, by Mary Gaffney