Actors share their thoughts on “Guys & Dolls”

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown Symphony Orchestra will present the concert version of “Guys & Dolls” Saturday at Powers Auditorium, with a cast comprised of Broadway and touring professional and top regional actors.

The Vindicator caught up with the four lead actors – Allan Snyder, Elysia Jordan, Natalia Lepore Hagan and John Cox – to get their views on the appeal of “Guys & Dolls,” the pros and cons of the concert version, and the challenges of rehearsing it.

ALLAN SNYDER

“Sky Masterson”

After getting off the national tour of “The Phantom of the Opera” (he played the title role) three years ago, Snyder and his wife moved to Pittsburgh, where she grew up. Since then he’s been performing at local theaters, including the Pittsburgh Public Theater, Pittsburgh CLO and The Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, where he also teaches musical theater and voice lessons. Snyder, a California native, has a two-decade career as a singer and actor. His Broadway credits include the original production of “Les Miserables.”

“I think ‘Guys & Dolls’ is just one of the most perfectly constructed musicals. Great characters, a smart script, and you can’t beat the score. As I was learning the show it really struck me – it’s just one hit song after another. Usually there are several songs in a musical that are forgettable, but literally every song in this show became a famous hit.

SDLqThe script is so good I hate to lose any of it, but what’s great about the concert version is that it puts the music front and center while still maintaining the integrity of the script and the characters. The chance to do the show with a full orchestra really makes the trade-off worthwhile.

“The brief rehearsal period as opposed to when you’re doing a conventional musical is a challenge but one I’m happy to embrace.”

ELYSIA JORDAN

“Sarah Brown”

Jordan, a Canfield native, just finished traveling the country with the first national tour of Andrew Llloyd Webber’s “School of Rock, the Musical,” understudying the female lead. She grew up performing at Powers Auditorium with Easy Street Productions, where she is best remembered for her role as Belle in “Beauty and the Beast” (2007).

“I watched ‘Guys & Dolls’ over and over again growing up and basically wore holes in the Broadway revival cast album. I think what originally drew me to it is the score, gorgeous ballads and catchy, spirited up-tempos. I’ve also always loved these characters and the hilarious book. And on top of that, it’s set in New York City, and is basically a love letter to the city. I currently live in Hell’s Kitchen, where most of the action is set, and I’m sure the first time I ever heard of that specific neighborhood was listening to ‘Guys & Dolls’ while growing up Canfield.

“Whether you’re seeing the full production or a concert version, the music is the heart of the show. Having loved the musical for so long, it will be a dream to sing it with an orchestra.

“Being back at Powers Auditorium, doing a show with all of my friends from Easy Street Productions and the Youngstown Symphony, is such a treat. Todd [Hancock] and Maureen [Collins] directed the first show I was ever in, and I spent my whole childhood doing shows with them.”

NATALIA LAPORE HAGAN

“Adelaide”

Lepore Hagan, a Youngstown native, most recently appeared in the first national tour of “Love Never Dies,” and before that, in the North American tour of “42nd Street,” as Anytime Annie. Her credits include Off Broadway roles and on HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire.”

“The book of ‘Guys & Dolls’ has such a wonderful appeal because, quite frankly, the writing is hilarious. Its comedy and depth truly gives each actor the opportunity to develop their character with their own interpretation. That being said, I think that it is timeless because the jokes are ageless, and this Youngstown crowd will truly enjoy these tough guys and gals on stage. I sure do! Plus, the recognizable and lovable music brings a smile to your face.

“The concert version is straighter to the point than the musical. The scenes are concise and move quickly, while it gives the audience a chance to truly bask in the music and its beautiful orchestrations. What is also most exciting about this concert version is that the orchestra is on stage with the actors, so the audience can get a great opportunity to see everything happen all at once. It’s absolutely so powerful to experience something like that.

“When I was approached about this role, I jumped with joy. To have the opportunity to come back to my hometown and do a show is an incredible honor. Not only did I grow up in Youngstown, but I grew up performing on this exact stage with Ballet Western Reserve since I was 4 years old. I’ve traveled all over the country and performed in hundreds of theaters, but the Powers stage will always be my home.”

JOHN COX

“Nathan Detroit”

Dr. John Cox is a Canfield-based pediatrician and president of the board of the Youngstown Playhouse. A veteran of more than 45 shows, he is making his debut at Powers Auditorium.

“First, this is a thrill for me. Being included with three professionals is an honor. I was 10 years old when I saw “A Chorus Line” from the balcony of Powers and was mesmerized. Now, I’ll be on that stage. It’s just cool. So glad Todd [Hancock] decided to take a chance and cast me with this group.

“‘Guys & Dolls’ is timeless. It has everyday language and characters you already know. It’s a perfect Youngstown play. The characters are so rich and appealing and then you include an amazing score.

“My second show ever was ‘Guys & Dolls’ at Youngstown Playhouse. I was a traffic cop, and I thought I had made the big time. Being Nathan Detroit now, with this cast, on this stage, I’m having a ball.”