The Lyric Theatre presents concert version of 'Guys and Dolls'

John Loesser, executive director of The Lyric Theatre in Stuart, knows a thing or two about classic musicals — particularly “Guys And Dolls,” which opens April 10 at the historic downtown theater.

His father, the late Frank Loesser, composed and wrote the lyrics for the iconic musical, regarded by many as the best musical of all time. The classic show won the Tony Award for Best musical and has been performed thousands of times since its Broadway premier in 1950.

“I’ve seen every variation you can think of,” Loesser said.

The Lyric will present a concert version of “Guys and Dolls” this weekend. Audience members will hear every song and experience the complete story of gangsters and gambling in New York City in the stripped-down version of the full production, sans costumes and set changes.

Loesser said these scaled down “in concert” versions of major productions, because they are less expensive to produce and require less rehearsal time, allow smaller theaters — like the 500-seat Lyric — to bring the classics to their audiences.

“It’s a fun and new way to see a great classic,” Loesser said. “If we are successful with this, and I think we will be, we intend to do more in the future. I am already thinking of next year.”

Six-degrees of Loesser

A full orchestra will accompany the cast of The Lyric adaptation, which includes Knight Kiplinger, CEO and editor-in-chief of Kiplinger finance news and forecasting, who will set the scenes as narrator.

Kiplinger and Loesser have been friends for many years and the finance giant’s daughter-in-law is the granddaughter of Ernie Martin — one of the producers of the original “Guys and Dolls.”

“Its the six degrees of Frank Loesser, I guess,” said Loesser.

The cast also includes Grammy Award-winning jazz flutist Nestor Torres, who plays the lead role of Sky Masterson, and comedian and pianist Sarge as Nathan Detroit. Loesser says the show allows the two accomplished musicians to showcase their talent.

“That just adds to the fun,” Loesser said.

Also starring in the show are local favorites soprano Lorrianna Colozzo as Sarah Brown, veteran actress Karin Leone as Miss Adelaide and Greg Rice as Big Jule.

GUYS AND DOLLS IN CONCERT

When: 7 p.m. and 4 p.m. shows April 10-13

Where: The Lyric Theatre, 59 S.W. Flagler Ave., Stuart

Tickets: $45

Information: www.lyrictheatre.com; 772-286-7827