If you're reading this, I expect either you or someone you know has been in a production of "Guys and Dolls." There are so many reasons this show is a classic, from the colorful supporting characters to the silly romantic misadventures to the unbelievably catchy songs. The show has been revived 5 times but the 1992 production really set the template for how to successfully dust off a classic and breathe new life into it. It also was haled as a savior of American musicals at the time and proved the first of 3 key steps in the elevation of Nathan Lane from steady Broadway regular to superstar.
There's no one better suited to analyze the arrival of this singular hit back in 1992 than Phil Crosby, the executive director of Richmond Triangle Players. This is Phil's fourth appearance on the pod and, as per usual, he supplements his first-hand knowledge of the production with behind-the-scenes background on several of the key players in the show. Listen to hear why Phil considers this show "practically perfect."
And more than ever, you are going to want to check out our website, ChasingPhantom.net, for links to two priceless resources: 1) a two-hour opening night special covering "Guys and Dolls" highly-anticipated first official performance on Broadway and 2) the YouTube copy of the DVD "Guys and Dolls: Off The Record," the behind-the-scenes look at the recording of the production's cast album. Check it out!