Guys and Dolls (2023)
Scott William – Director
We are so excited to have this talented GUY as our director! Scott William is an award-winning actor, singer, and director with nearly 40 years of professional experience. With over 60 shows under his belt and having directed more than 35 productions, Scott’s expertise and creative vision are second to none.
Scott worked as the Artistic Director and Executive Producer of the City of Brampton’s in-house theatre company; producing several streams of theatre from major musicals to Shakespeare in the Square. Scott’s experience and training is extensive and includes Meisner, Shakespeare, Lecoq among others.
In 2002, Scott was accepted as a member of Shakespeare’s Globe’s International Fellowship, with professional training at the prestigious Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London, England and presented the Christopher Plummer International Fellowship from Mr. Plummer and the Shakespeare’s Globe Centre of Canada.
Scott has Directed Into the Woods and been seen on stage as Sam Carmichael (Mama Mia), Shrek (Shrek the Musical), King Arthur (Spamalot) and The Cowardly Lion (The Wizard of Oz) for Royal City Musical Productions Inc. He’s also been on stage for the Downtown Theatre Project as Michael Novak (God of Carnage). As well he played Cal in Ordinary People and Directed Romeo and Juliet for Guelph Little Theatre. He Directed A Night in Flanders for The Macrae House and Guelph Museums. And last summer he had the pleasure of Directing The 39 Steps for Century Church Theatre.
His passion for Guys & Dolls shines through, making him the perfect captain to steer our production to new heights. We can’t wait to witness Scott’s fresh and exciting interpretation of this classic musical!
Darren Burkett – Choreographer
Prepare to be dazzled by the incredible dance moves in Guys and Dolls, thanks to the exceptional talents of Darren Burkett, our sensational choreographer. With a stellar career that spans national and international stages, Darren’s electrifying choreography has garnered critical acclaim. His versatile style and innovative approach will breathe new life into the iconic dance numbers of this beloved musical.
Darren is so thrilled to be joining the team here at KWMP to bring Guys and Dolls to the stage! As an actor himself, national/international credits include performing in Matilda (1st National Tour) and Angelina Ballerina (International Tour). He has also performed across Canada with such companies as The Ross Petty Panto, Stage West, Drayton Entertainment, Thousand Island Playhouse, Western Canada Theatre, The Arts Club Theatre, Chemainus Theatre Festival, and many more.
Darren is the recipient of the Jessie Richardson Award for Outstanding Performance and an Ovation Award for Male Ensemble of the Year. Previous work as a choreographer/assistant choreographer include Legally Blonde (Mainstage Theatre), Kiss of the Spider Woman (Eclipse Theatre Company), Buddy (The Globe Theatre), Edges (Two Monkeys Productions), A Funny Thing Happened… and Guys and Dolls (Vancouver Lawyer Show), Eternal Hydra (Touchstone Theatre) and the motion picture Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. He has also been a theatre and dance educator and has taught around the globe for the past 18 years.
When Darren is not choreographing or performing, you can find him hanging out with his partner, Hunter, and their adorable dog, Buster Beans! They live in Stratford and enjoy the many restaurants and cultural activities there. However, being born and raised in BC, he will always be a West Coast boy at heart (if he’s near a body of water, especially salt water, he’s in his happy place)!
Get ready to witness Darren’s captivating choreography that will leave you mesmerized and craving for more!
Martin Lacoste – Musical Director
Joining our production as the Musical Director is the phenomenal Martin Lacoste. With a rich background in directing, performing, and educating, Martin’s musical expertise and passion are the driving forces behind our enchanting melodies.
Martin is thrilled to be back with KWMP, this time on a trip to Runyonland as Musical Director for the stylish and timeless Guys and Dolls. And if you don’t agree, Sue Me! Martin retired as Head of Music at Bluevale Collegiate Institute in Waterloo, has directed and performed in many productions and ensembles, and has served as musical director for several musicals including Guys and Dolls, Cabaret (JM Drama), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (JM Drama), Princess Ida (Waterloo Regional G & S Society), Evita (JM Drama), Jesus Christ Superstar: The Concert Event (KWMP) and The Addams Family (KWMP).
When not involved in musical endeavours, Martin enjoys squash, hockey, slo-pitch, biking, swimming, travelling and following the Jays rise back to dominance. Martin invites any and all to Follow the Fold and join us on (or back!) stage for this exciting production.
Show Synopsis
Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, Guys and Dolls is an oddball romantic comedy. Gambler, Nathan Detroit, tries to find the cash to set up the biggest craps game in town while the authorities breathe down his neck. Meanwhile, his girlfriend and nightclub performer, Adelaide, laments that they’ve been engaged for fourteen years. Nathan turns to fellow gambler, Sky Masterson, for the dough, and Sky ends up chasing the straight-laced missionary, Sarah Brown, as a result.
Guys and Dolls takes us from the heart of Times Square to the cafés of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City, but eventually everyone ends up right where they belong.