Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Hollywood Bowl Becomes Runyonland
There’s nothing quite like seeing a musical in an outdoor venue like the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, under the stars. In my book it’s about as close to magical as you can get. This summer’s featured musical is Guys & Dolls, and it boasts an all star cast that will be unlike anything you’ve seen.
It had been previously announced that Brian Stokes Mitchell and Jessica Biehl would lead the cast as Sky Masterson and Sarah Brown. Joining them are Scott Bakula as Nathan Detroit, Ellen Greene (yes, the original Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors) as Adelaide and Ken Page as Nicely-Nicely. Much of the flavor of Guys & Dolls comes from the many characters that round out the rest of the cast. At the Bowl you’ll see some of the best; Ruth Williamson (General Cartwright), Herschel Sparber (Big Jule), Jason Graae (Benny Southstreet), Bill Lewis (Harry the Horse), Danny Stiles (Rusty Charlie) and Cindy Benson (Agatha) among others. Even the Hot Box Girls will pack some powerful moves, with the likes of Sandahl Bergman, Valarie Pettiford, Jane Lanier, Kathryn Wright, Jillana Laufer and Tracy Powell shaking their tail feathers.
Richard Jay-Alexander directs, Donna McKechnie choreographs and Kevin Stites is musical director for the production, which also features the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Tickets will go on sale May 2 at HollywoodBowl.com. A night at the Bowl is truly an evening to remember, so grab your friends, pack a picnic and enjoy one of the unique pleasures of summer in L.A.
