(Nathan Detroit, Sky Masterson and Crapshooters | Photo courtesy of Ponderosa Players)
Ponderosa Players brings the magic of Broadway to Central Oregon this summer with Guys and Dolls. This vibrant production features a talented cast of twenty young performers, ages 11 to 18. Returning for their second production at the outdoor venue, The Hayshed, Ponderosa Players puts their signature spin on this Broadway staple. Co-Directed by Ponderosa Players founders Kisky Holwerda (she/her) and Dash Conant (he/they), and choreographed by Holwerda, this production offers a delightful mix of nostalgia and modern flair.
Set in the bustling streets of 1950s New York, Guys and Dolls follows a colorful cast of gamblers, showgirls, and straight-laced missionaries as they navigate love, luck, and the occasional illegal dice game. Guys and Dolls, originally performed on Broadway in 1950, has enjoyed several Broadway and West End revivals and is firmly cemented in the repertoire of regional theaters across the country. “It’s a classic for a reason!” says Conant, “Guys and Dolls has been revamped countless times and it’s because it has the whole package: a captivating love story, side-splitting comedy, and a long list of songs that will stick in your head in the best way.”
Audiences can expect all the show-stopping numbers they know and love, from “Adelaide’s Lament” to “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” delivered with powerhouse vocals and staged in the unique and exciting style that has become a trademark for Ponderosa Players. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Guys and Dolls or experiencing it for the first time, this high-energy take on the musical promises a night of laughter, toe-tapping tunes, and plenty of surprises.
This production will bring Ponderosa Players’ second season to a close. With three sold out productions under their belt, there’s no sign of slowing down! Having cemented their position in Bend’s theater scene with a reputation for excellent pre-professional youth theater, Ponderosa Players is excited to continue bringing unique, high-caliber productions to Bend in their 2025-26 Season which kicks off with their musical theater intensive TOO DARN HOT! Returning to the historic Tower Theatre in July, students can enroll for TOO DARN HOT!, and a host of other summer programs at ponderosaplayers.com/classes.
One thing’s for certain, you can always bet on Ponderosa Players! Don’t miss Guys and Dolls, performing at The Hayshed, June 25-28! Tickets available now at ponderosaplayers.com/tickets.
Performing June 25-27 at 7pm and June 28 at 2pm and 7pm. Location: The Hayshed: 65125 Hunnell Road, Bend, OR 97703
ponderosaplayers.com • 503-367-1539