Local theater company proves age is just a number with 'Guys and Dolls, Senior'

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A new Triangle theater company is proving age ain't nothing but a number, especially on the Broadway stage.

Dancing Man Productions features artists 55 and older - both on stage and behind the scenes - and is bringing Guys and Dolls Senior to life this week at Raleigh Little Theatre.

The cast and crew say they are thrilled to be on stage, putting a unique spin on the Broadway classic.

"This is Golden Age Broadway. This is what I think of when I think of Broadway. These people, these performers here, we're all folks who are 55 and up. Many of us have done many shows before. Some of us are new, which makes the energy fantastic. And we're just enjoying playing together at this age again," explained Greg Moore, an actor in Guys and Dolls, Sr.

Moore plays Benny Southstreet in the show, which also features some familiar faces, including former N.C. First Lady Kristin Cooper.

"We absolutely love it. It's called Laugh Theater for a reason. You wouldn't do this if you didn't love it because we can't hit rewind. There's no one in this show who I didn't want to do a show with for four decades. And finally, we're on stage together after 40 years. This just feels like what life should be when we're a little bit older. I'm a little slower, but the energy's still there," said Moore.

Freddie-Lee Heath, a dancer, performer, teacher, and choreographer for more than 40 years in Wake County is one of the founders of Dancing Man Productions, partnering with Raleigh Little Theatre.

"Raleigh Little Theatre is a real legacy theater here in Raleigh. And so, so many of the people in the show used to be involved in theater here years ago. And our two leads were in Guys and Dolls 32 years ago, and they're back. Last time they were Nathan and Adelaide, and this time they're Skye and Sarah," said Heath.

This version of the show also features a new format, performances run for just one hour.

"And everything that we do happens during the day. So every day is a matinee. You can come and see a show at 2:00 and be at home in time to see the 5:00 news," said Heath.

But before news time, it's showtime.

"One of the things that we love about it is that we're building a community of new artists," said Heath.

And they're doing it, sharing a passion for performing.

"That's why we're out here to continue doing this and to maybe, maybe encourage others who have a few more trips around the sun to come up here and join us and play with us," said Moore.

Because at any age, there's no business like show business.

"The lesson is you're never too old to make art and you're never too old to reinvent yourself and to build community," said Heath.

Guys and Dolls, Senior runs Oct. 7-10 at Raleigh Little Theatre, 301 Pogue St. in Raleigh. All performances are at 2 p.m., and the show runs one hour. Click here for tickets.