Although Signature Theatre has not yet produced a production of Guys and Dolls it’s one that their company could undoubtedly do so in the future. The theatre certainly has the capabilities and facilities necessary to produce a high quality version of this musical. However, this fact, although relevant is not the most important factor in deciding whether or not they would choose to produce the show. The theatre must also have a desire to chose this specific musical among the hundreds of other choices that exist. An examination of Signature Theatre’s history and currents goals helps one to see if this desire exists.
Signature Theatre was founded in 1989 by graphic designer and performer Eric Schaeffer and actor Donna Migliaccio in Arlington
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They have been recognized in press around the country including the New York Times and the Washington Post. The theatre is also the origin to one of “…the single largest musical theatre commission project, The American Music Voice Project.” When speaking with a representation of the theatre about their current productions and goals, he explained, “We concentrate on producing modern musicals, that’s the majority of our shows and we also do a lot of Sondheim because of his huge influence in musical theatre.” However, although Guys and Dolls is neither modern, nor written by Sondheim, the chances of it being produced at Signature are still decidedly …show more content…
Although it has a specific setting, one that is particularly recognizable, the characters and story presented are relatable and a part of us today. Guys and Dolls at it’s heart is a comedic narrative of love, and it’s rough and tumble nature. The relationships in this show don’t come, easy. Characters must fight for each other and for their love. Their struggles and ultimate accomplishments are raw and real despite the comedic nature of the show as a whole. We can see this vividly displayed in relationship of Nathan and Adelaide. They push and pull at each other the whole show and it’s quite often played as a joke, however we see glimpses of their depth despite the occasional slapstick humor. As Nathan sings to Adelaide at one point, “I love you. Give me a holler and hate me, hate me. Go ahead and hate me. I love