Skip the Multiplex: Theater Premieres in Moorestown This Week

Rather than plunk down approximately $100 for movie tickets and snacks (don't let them upcharge you on the large soda) this weekend, why not catch some live theater in Moorestown?

Moorestown Theater Company (MTC) and MoorArts are both premiering shows this week, with MTC's Guys and Dolls Jr. opening at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Hope Community Church.

It's the first of two popular '50s-themed musicals MTC is producing this summer—Bye Bye Birdie opens next week—but it's pure coincidence the theater company is premiering shows set in similar eras back to back, said producing artistic director Mark Morgan. They're just both great musicals.

"They're two of the most done shows in the world," said Morgan. "(Bye Bye Birdie) might be No. 1 ... It wouldn't be done that frequently if it wasn't a great show. It's almost the perfect show. And Guys and Dolls is right there with it."

Guys and Dolls was MTC's first-ever adults-only show, back in 2009. This version's cast is somewhat younger, with 45 kids between the ages of 6 and 17 taking on the roles of Nathan Detroit, Miss Adelaide, Sky Masterson, et al.

Director Matt Dotzman, who has helmed other MTC shows like 101 Dalmatians and The Wizard of Oz, said working with young actors—and in particular, watching them grow into their roles—is always a treat, and this year's crop of Summer Stage campers was no different.

"It's always rewarding to me to see campers who were initially quiet start to come out of their shell," Dotzman said.

MoorArts premieres Andrew Lloyd Webber's Evita on Friday at Moorestown High School. The show is the organization's 15th summer musical, and possibly one of its most challenging productions to date, according to board member Candace Coleman.

"Andrew Lloyd Webber tends to be challenging to begin with," she said. "It's all music; there are no speaking parts."

Coleman added that the show will also feature the Upper Elementary School children's choir in two scenes and a 28-piece pit orchestra playing throughout—no pre-recorded music—and in that regard, Evita "ranks right up there as one of our biggest productions."

Two actresses will play the part of the titular Eva Peron—accomplished stage performers Tressa Scibilia and Christine Serenbetz. It's somewhat rare for MoorArts to double-cast a role, even a lead, according to Coleman. But "we had such strong people come out for it, we didn't want to waste any talent."

Tickets for Guys and Dolls Jr. are $10. The show runs through Friday. For showtimes or to buy tickets, visit the MTC website.

Tickets to Evita are $17 for adults, $12 for seniors and students. Visit the MoorArts website for showtimes or to buy tickets.

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