YMTC to Stage Guys and Dolls, November 4-12

YMTC (Youth Musical Theater Company) will open its 13th season on November 4 with the celebrated musical comedy, Guys and Dolls. Set in New York City, it tells the story of gambler Nathan Detroit, his long-time girlfriend Adelaide, fellow gambler Sky Masterson, and strait-laced missionary Sarah Brown. The show moves from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, and even into the New York sewers. But eventually everyone ends up right where they belong. Frank Loesser’s bold, brassy songs light up this hilarious romp, populated by memorable characters with good intentions and hearts of gold. This production features a live, 24-piece orchestra.

The real guys and dolls in the 28-member cast rank among the Bay Area’s most talented young performers (ages 13 to 20), all thrilled to be on stage in such good company. They come from eleven cities on both sides of San Francisco Bay to take advantage of the opportunity to work with YMTC’s professional directors, designers, and musicians. In addition to coaching performers, YMTC offers training to students of technical theater. Shayla Lawler, who plays Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, sums it up, “YMTC allows me to have a professional theater experience and lets me meet people who share my interest in acting.”

Based on YMTC’s exceptional training, you can expect no less than an exceptional show, as demonstrated by the company’s past record. For example, Bay Area actor/singer Paul Hogarth posted this comment about YMTC’s last production on Facebook: "Youth Musical Theater Company did a phenomenal job with Most Happy Fella. I had never gone to a YMTC show before, but now I know why they have such a great reputation. Those kids put on a show that would rival Bay Area professional theater productions. Seriously."

According to YMTC Artistic Director Jennifer Boesing, “Guys and Dolls is the quintessential musical comedy. It is a brilliant book musical, with truly unforgettable characters, great dancing, and a wonderful, singable score that provides great teaching opportunities for our students.”

Location
El Cerrito High School Performing Arts Theater, 540 Ashbury Avenue, El Cerrito

Performance Schedule

Saturday, November 4, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, November 5, 2:00 p.m.

Friday, November 10, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 11, 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, November 12, 2:00 p.m.

Tickets

$15–$28, with discounts for students, seniors, military, teachers, and groups.

Purchase online at http://www.ymtcbayarea.org or at the door one hour before curtain.

YMTC offers one “pay what you will” performance during every run to provide affordable musical theater to all in the community. For Guys & Dolls, this performance will be on Friday, 11/10, when seats will be offered for cash-only at the box office. Reserved seats can still be purchased online.

Subscriptions to all four shows in YMTC’s 13th season at the El Cerrito High School Performing Arts Theater can also be purchased online at http://www.ymtcbayarea.org. In addition to Guys and Dolls, the season includes A Chorus Line, Next to Normal, and Parade.