Classic musical ‘Guys and Dolls’ rolls the dice at Theatre Cedar Rapids

When “Guys and Dolls” first premiered on Broadway in 1950, it introduced audiences to a vibrant New York world of gamblers, missionaries, romance and redemption. More than seven decades later, Theatre Cedar Rapids is celebrating that legacy — and its own — with a production that looks both back in time and toward the future.

Opening Friday, Feb. 13, “Guys and Dolls” holds special significance for the organization, arriving during a milestone moment as the theater continues its Dream Here, Do Here capital campaign. The campaign focuses on expanding artistic opportunities, improving facilities, and ensuring the next century of storytelling and arts education in Eastern Iowa.

The timing of “Guys and Dolls” during Theatre Cedar Rapids’ 100th year was absolutely intentional.

“There’s something incredibly powerful about returning to ‘Guys and Dolls’ now,” said Angie Toomsen, artistic and managing director of Theatre Cedar Rapids. “It was the very first musical the theater produced, and doing it now feels like a conversation across generations of artists.”

A timeless story, reimagined

Directed by Matt Curtis, “Guys and Dolls” anchors the season with a bold, kinetic vision that honors the show’s classic roots while reimagining it for today’s audiences.

“This is one of those cornerstone titles in musical theater,” Curtis said. “So many shows that followed owe something to its structure, humor and musical storytelling. It felt like an opportunity to honor the legacy of the show while also asking, ‘Why does this story matter right now, here, for us?’”

Curtis believes the show continues to resonate because of its humanity. Beneath the comedy and unforgettable score is a story about people with wildly different value systems learning to see one another beyond stereotypes.

“We’re still living in a world where people are sorted into opposing camps,” he said. “This story reminds us that connection doesn’t come from winning the argument, but from understanding the person across from you.”

Ann Lawrence, a familiar face on the TCR stage, agrees, noting that the show’s philosophy feels just as relevant today.

“The iconic music and characters, the comedy and love stories — and the overall lesson of the show — still resonate,” Lawrence said. “As the characters say, ‘Life is one big crap game,’ ‘you simply gotta gamble,’ and ‘you get no guarantee.’ That’s a universal reality.”

Visually, audiences can expect a heightened, pop-art inspired fantasia of mid-century New York, filled with bold color, constant motion and dynamic choreography, all supported by the modern technical spectacle Theatre Cedar Rapids is known for.

“You’ll recognize the story you love,” said Curtis, “but through a lens that feels more vivid, playful and emotionally present.”

New faces, fresh perspectives

That spirit of connection is deeply felt among the cast — including several performers making their Theatre Cedar Rapids debut.

Cedar Falls-based actor Josiah Bailey, who plays the charismatic gambler Sky Masterson, describes joining the production as a step beyond familiar community theater spaces.

“Auditioning for this production and Theatre Cedar Rapids in general was the result of stepping outside of those bounds and trying something new,” Bailey said.

If you go

What: “Guys and Dolls”

When: Feb. 13 to March 15

Where: Theatre Cedar Rapids, 102 3rd St. SE, Cedar Rapids

Cost: $27 and up

For showtimes and tickets, visit theatrecr.org/events/guys-and-dolls/

Bailey’s Sky is more than suave confidence and clever bets.

“It’s been a journey discovering just who Sky is underneath his charisma,” he said. “None of us are that simple. The fun has been searching for all the cracks and bruises that made Sky the way he is.”

Sky’s romantic counterpart, Sarah Brown, is portrayed by Karissa Burkhardt — a familiar face at TCR known for dance-heavy roles in productions such as “Jersey Boys,” “Meet Me in St. Louis” and “Beauty and the Beast.” This time, however, she steps into a role often seen as more reserved.

“Although Sarah begins more guarded than some of the other characters, she is still full of emotions and feelings,” said Burkhardt. “She experiences that inner conflict between doing what she believes is right and following her heart.”

“I often play dancer roles, so I appreciate how the director and choreographer have incorporated dance into a typically non-dancing role,” she said with a laugh. “I even get to be a tipsy dancer in one of the scenes, which has been a blast!”

Currently a student at the University of Iowa majoring in vocal performance, dance, theater and elementary education, Burkhardt stays busy beyond the TCR stage. She frequently choreographs in the area and teaches voice lessons in Iowa City. When she finds spare time, she enjoys spending it with family, friends — and her cat, Stitch.

“TCR is like a second family to me,” she said. “I’ve loved everything about getting to play this role with this amazing team. Getting to portray this story with such beautiful music has always been a dream of mine.”

A company built on collaboration

Another newcomer to Theatre Cedar Rapids is Dean Messerly, who plays Arvide Abernathy, Sarah Brown’s devoted grandfather. Based in Conrad, Iowa, and a longtime performer throughout the state and Wisconsin, Messerly calls his TCR debut deeply meaningful.

“I have rarely experienced such a balance of professionalism and friendliness as I have here,” he said. “The esprit de corps among everyone involved in this production is exhilarating.”

Messerly views Arvide as the moral compass of the story — a role he has long felt drawn to.

“There is an innocence and purity of motive in Arvide that makes him a catalyst for good,” he said. “He sees the potential in people and encourages them to spread their wings and fly.”

Curtis credits that generosity of spirit as one of the cast’s defining strengths.

“There’s a level of commitment to storytelling in this group that feels genuinely professional,” he said. “They’re fearless, collaborative, and deeply invested in telling this story well.”

A beloved character, brought to life

Lawrence takes on one of the show’s most iconic roles: Miss Adelaide. For Lawrence, the chance to play Adelaide carries both joy and meaning.

“I was so excited to see that TCR was going to do this classic and fun musical, and I so wanted to support and be a part of it,” she said.

A fan favorite for generations, Adelaide is known for her humor, heart and unforgettable musical moments. Lawrence relishes the character’s complexity.

“She’s fun and quirky, authentic and sincere, and much smarter than you think,” Lawrence said. “And you’ve gotta love her voice. I’ve enjoyed playing with the accent, pitch, and delivery. I’m also so humbled and honored to be part of a kind of club of women who have gotten to play this beloved role.”

Balancing Adelaide’s comedy with emotional depth comes naturally, Lawrence said, thanks to the strength of the material.

“Her comedy and heart are written into the script in such a balanced way,” she said. “It’s all there, and I get to bring her to life with the help of my fellow artists.”

Looking forward by honoring the past

As Theatre Cedar Rapids looks toward its next 100 years, “Guys and Dolls” stands as both a celebration and a promise — honoring the theater’s past while embodying its future.

“It reminds us that while styles change and buildings change, the heart of what we do hasn’t,” Toomsen said. “We’re still telling human stories, creating connections, and giving talented people from our community a place to shine. This show holds our history, and at the same time, it’s bursting with who we are becoming.”

For Lawrence, the reason audiences should attend is simple.

“It will bring you joy,” she said. “You’ll laugh and feel and be dazzled — and you’ll leave humming the tunes, maybe even doing a little dance. There’s nothing like live theatre, and it’s right here in our community, beautifully done.”