By DAVID DOW BENTLEY III

“The People’s Critic”

(Woodlands VILLAGER 6.26.03 Conroe COURIER    06.29.03)

            It has been several years since my COURIER editors first sent me on assignment to the nearby Masquerade Theatre in The Heights. I have had many happy experiences there since, and now there is more fun looming with this summer’s forthcoming production of the musical favorite, “Guys & Dolls.”

          Based on the mythical story and characters of Damon Runyon, and set in New York City, this oddball romantic comedy - considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy – soars with the spirit of Broadway as it introduces us to a cast of vivid characters who have become legends in the canon: Sarah Brown, the upright but uptight "mission doll," out to reform the evildoers of Time Square; Sky Masterson, the slick, high-rolling gambler who woos her on a bet and ends up falling in love; Adelaide, the chronically ill nightclub performer whose condition is brought on by the fact she's been engaged to the same man for 14 years; and Nathan Detroit, her devoted fiancé, desperate as always to find a spot for his infamous floating crap game.
          Everything works out in the end, thanks to the machinations of Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling's hilarious, fast-paced book and Frank Loesser's bright, brassy, immortal score, which takes us from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City. Funny and romantic, "Guys And Dolls" is ideal for audiences and performers of any age.

          This production, directed by Masquerade founder, Phillip Duggins, stars Kaytha Coker as Sarah, Luther Chakurian as Nathan, Rebekah Dahl as Adelaide, and Ilich Guardiola as Sky. The show opens Friday July 11^th and plays Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 3:00 p.m. through Saturday August 2^nd. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for Students and Seniors. There are also group discounts available. For reservations or information call 713-861-7045 or visit the website at: www.masqueradetheatre.com