Summer Stock Stage's Encore Program Presents "Guys & Dolls Sr."

On February 27 & 28th, Summer Stock Stage’s Encore program for seniors will present “Guys & Dolls Sr,” a condensed 60-minute version of the beloved musical comedy. Starting in September, 34 participants ages 55+ have attended weekly rehearsals for music, staging and choreography. Performances will take place at Shelton Auditorium on the campus of Butler University (1000 W 42nd St, Indianapolis, IN). Tickets are available now at summerstockstage.com.

“Summer Stock Stage believes that theater inspires and connects people of all ages” said Managing Director Mike Berg Raunick. “Research shows that singing, dancing, and learning new skills create fresh neural pathways, keeping minds sharp and spirits thriving. With our Encore program, we celebrate that it’s never too late to learn, grow, and shine. This new initiative invites seniors and emerging older artists to step into the spotlight, build community, and experience the joy of live performance together.”

“Many of our cast members, whose ages are 60-93, haven’t had theatre experience or haven’t participated since high school” said Artistic Director and “Guys & Dolls Sr.” director Emily Ristine Holloway. “They have been driving in from all over - Indianapolis, Carmel, Greenwood, Lebanon - to join this free program. The most common sentiment that drew them to join was that it was always something they had wanted to do so they couldn’t pass up the opportunity.” Holloway added, “We are thrilled to see how much theatre brings people together “

The creative team for “Guys & Dolls Sr.” includes director Emily Ristine Holloway, musical director Mike Berg Raunick, choreographer Lily White, costume designer Allison Jones, properties designer Cindy Hancock, lighting designer Michael Moffatt, sound designer Zach Rosing, intimacy director Claire Wilcher, set construction lead Rick Powis, technical coordinator Spencer Elliott, and production manager Kelli Thomas.

Set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City, “Guys and Dolls Sr.” is an oddball romantic comedy. Gambler, Nathan Detroit, tries to find the cash to set up the biggest craps game in town while the authorities breathe down his neck; meanwhile, his girlfriend and nightclub performer, Adelaide, laments that they've been engaged for fourteen years. Nathan turns to fellow gambler, Sky Masterson, for the dough, and Sky ends up chasing the straight-laced missionary, Sarah Brown, as a result. Guys and Dolls SR. takes us from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City, but eventually everyone ends up right where they belong - all in 60 minutes!