This August, Antipodes Theatre Company (ATC) will ambitiously reimagine ‘Guys And Dolls’ for its 70th anniversary at Chapel Off Chapel.
The musical masterpiece continues to take audiences on a magical journey 70 years later, and this new season from ATC will have audiences feeling the heat of Havana, the haze of Hot Box, and the energy of New York City.
Chapel Off Chapel will be transformed into a prohibition-era nightclub for the show, as audiences revel in an evening of reckless abandon, visceral romance, and unwavering hope that society can embrace and support each other – just as our chosen family would.
ATC launched in 2019, seeking to provide a collaborative, inclusive environment for producing independent theatre in Melbourne.
“Antipodes Theatre Company is now in its fourth year and in that time we’ve been fortunate to work with hundreds of artists from around the country.” ATC Artistic Director Brandon Pape says. “Because of the type of work we produce, most have been emerging artists or people who have not yet been afforded mainstream performance opportunities. Developing new work is a huge part of what we do, but our mission is also to show people things they never thought to look for, and we’ve long wanted to present a classic musical in a way that embraces the bodies and themes that make up our current community.”
“‘Guys And Dolls’ is a beloved musical and, like any story that has stood the test of time, we quickly realised there was an opportunity to tell this story in an exciting way that created opportunities for artists who may not traditionally have had access to this work.”
The team at ATC truly immersed themselves in the 1920s to incorporate the energy of New York nightlife, and queer culture at the time, into the show. ‘Guys And Dolls’ will also feature live music and a bandstand on the stage. Songs include ‘Luck Be A Lady’, ‘Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ The Boat’, and ‘Adelaide’s Lament’.
‘Guys And Dolls’ plays Chapel Off Chapel (Melbourne) 10-19 August.
