'Guys and Dolls' Coming to Medfield Stage this Weekend

Doug Hodge, the Woodland Theatre Company’s producing artistic director and Sherborn resident, is about to do something he hasn’t done in over 25 years of experience in theatre.

Direct “Guys and Dolls” – one of his all-time favorite musicals.

“Having never done [Guys and Dolls] before … this is new, but I have seen it a million times and it really is one of those perfect shows,” Hodge said. “The music is great, the story is great, the characters are well defined and it’s really funny.”

Hodge has been preparing the Woodland Theatre Company’s largest ever cast – 24 actors – since April 2 for this weekend’s production in the Lowell Mason Auditorium of .

“In the past we couldn’t fit 24 people in a show,” Hodge said of the company’s . “It’s sort of nice to get new people and new blood coming in all the time [with more space at Medfield High School]. It’s a mixed bag [of actors and experience]. I have some older people that I’ve worked with in the past and some new ones so it gives a nice balance.”

With more stage space also comes the challenge of filling that space successfully.

“[The Lowell Mason Auditorium] sort of raises everything that we can do from the technical side to the show side [of production],” Hodge said. “Everything can be done bigger in scope but with that comes the challenge of making the show bigger in scope.  … [Medfield] has been great, having moved from Sherborn, which was a great place to start but now we have a real home and a real theatre.”

As for the show itself, Hodge says the cast has been tremendous during rehearsals and he is looking forward to seeing them put it all together this weekend.

“The best part of this for me is seeing these actors take what I’ve envisioned and run with it,” Hodge said. “It’s even funnier than I wanted it to be.”

This talented cast of 24 has dedicated themselves to tediously know their roles and work in a professional, fast-pace environment. Rehearsals have been three nights a week since April 2 and Hodge admits the process has been fast and “disjointed” at times, but actors tend to strive in this environment and style of direction.

“What I like about this cast is most of them have not worked at the speed in which I work,” said Hodge. “I love that in the first day they just jumped on board and ran with it.”

Hodge also expects the male actors to draw the audience in this weekend with their comedic personalities.

 “The guys, they are these gamblers, and they can be as broad and cartoony as you can make them,” Hodge said. “It’s really fun to see them bring their own personal taste to it. It makes them all different and I try to cast a show so you have two hours to look at different kinds and types of people.”

Hodge says the cast is “very unique,” which helps him achieve that goal of accenting different personalities of people on stage. The talent level of this group of actors doesn't hurt, either.

“They’re good,” Hodge said of his cast. “They’re really good.”

Theatergoers this weekend can expect a high-quality, professional show full of humor and light-hearted laughs without the inconvenience of Boston traffic and parking.

“Quality-wise, [these shows are] going to be on par with any regional theatre or any theatre in Boston,” Hodge said. “I think for the ticket price [$30], it’s worth coming here because you’re not driving into Boston and paying to park. … [The show will have] great costumes, terrific lighting, great set, tight cast, great singing. It’s sort of the whole package together.”

And for Hodge, directing "Guys and Dolls" for the first time in his 25 years of experience in theatre will combine two of his passions – directing and comedy.

 “I love comedy,” Hodge said. “I think [Guys and Dolls] is probably one of the best-written musical books ever. It’s complete – nothing is wasted. It’s a really tight story with a great score.”

Showtimes are Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 13 (Mother’s Day) at 2 p.m. Tickets are $30 and make for a great Mother’s Day gift, according to Hodge.

“It’s such a fun show,” Hodge said. “It’s light and happy … it’s the perfect spring show. Mother’s Day weekend, take her out to brunch and come see a great show.”

Tickets can be purchased online at the Woodland Theatre Company’s website by clicking here or at on Main Street. Hodge assures you that you won’t want to miss it.

“For those who don’t know they have a professional theatre company in town, I think it’s a shame to miss out on what’s turning into and growing into a top-rate theatre company,” Hodge said. “Because it’s a single weekend, you sort of have to know about it or it’s going to be done. … I hope people will want to come in because they’ve heard good things about the company and it’s worth seeing.”

Woodland Theatre Company’s Second Production in Medfield

This weekend’s production of “Guys and Dolls” will be the Woodland Theatre Company’s second show in Medfield this season.

The company the hit musical and winner of 12 Tony Awards and eight Academy Awards.

That show, according to Hodge, was dark and edgy, which contrasts significantly with this weekend's production of "Guys and Dolls."

"Should be a lot different from 'Cabaret,' which is a lot darker, edgier show," Hodge said. "This is more of a family show."

The Woodland Theatre Company moved to Medfield in November 2011 after spending a year in Sherborn.