Ex-Derby Mayor Plays Nathan Detroit in ‘Guys and Dolls’

Center Stage Theater is taking on “Guys and Dolls” this month — and former Derby Mayor Marc Garofalo is playing the role of Nathan Detroit.

Can Garofalo live up to Frank Sinatra’s 1955 performance? Did he ever break into song and dance in the mayor’s office?

He answered those questions and more in this e-mail Q&A. “Guys and Dolls” opens tonight (Jan. 20) in Shelton. Future performance dates are posted after the Q&A.

Valley Indy: In Guys and Dolls you’re playing Nathan Detroit, one of Frank Sinatra’s quintessential movie roles. Are you a fan of the 1955 movie?

Garofalo: Yes. However, I like the play better than the movie. There is much more excitement and energy in a live performance.

Valley Indy: Any nerves about stepping into Sinatra’s shoes?

Garofalo: No one can fill Frank Sinatra’s shoes! The part in stage version (original was 1950) is played much differently than in the movie (1955). They reworked much of the role and added songs for Mr. Sinatra to sing. The inside scoop is that Frank Sinatra really wanted to play Sky Masterson, not Nathan Detroit!

Valley Indy: How do you make a role like this your own?

Garofalo: You have to bring your own truth to any role to make it real. I try to do that with any role I have played.

Valley Indy: What are your expectations for this role — is this role a favorite of yours?

Garofalo: My expectations for this role are to entertain the audience as part of a fabulous, extremely talented and highly dedicated cast. I have thoroughly enjoyed preparing for this role.

Valley Indy: Is there anything particularly tough about this role. The dialogue, perhaps? It’s 1950s New Yorkish imaginary gangster musical?

Garofalo: Perfecting the language of Damon Runyon has been a challenge for many of us in the cast. Much of the humor is in the incorrect grammar so it has to be right in order to be funny. It was like learning an entirely new language.

Valley Indy: What’s it like being directed by Gary Scarpa?

Garofalo: It is like being coached by a legendary coach who really knows his game. He challenges you to deliver your best and expects nothing less. It is extremely demanding and extremely rewarding.

Valley Indy: What’s your favorite musical and why?

Garofalo: Fiddler on the Roof. It is the best show to be in because its story is so compelling to every ethnic culture. It is about family and that is what doing a show is all about. It fits together perfectly.

Valley Indy: Ever break into song in City Hall during your time as mayor? If so, what song and why?

Garofalo: Although some people really want to believe that all I did was sing during my eight years as Mayor, we did a great deal of serious work for the long term betterment of our City. That being said, I think the song that most comes to mind from that time was a song that Frank Sinatra recorded — When You’re Smiling” the whole world smiles with you! And believe me, we needed a lot of smiles to get through some days, but we had fun!

Valley Indy: We will steal our last two questions from James Lipton’s Inside the Actor’s Studio:” What sound or noise do you love?

Garofalo: I love to hear the clock bells in my family’s home town in Marzi, Province of Cosenza, Region of Calabria, Italy. A close second would be the sizzle of garlic in the pan.

Valley Indy: What sound or noise do you hate?

Garofalo: The sound of my kitchen exhaust fan. It is very effective but make a lot of noise.

Guys and Dolls” opens tonight (Jan. 20) at Center Stage Theater in Shelton, 54 Grove St. Shows run at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays through Feb. 11. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students. Click here for more information. 

GUYS AND DOLLS CAST

Nicely Nicely Johnson…………………………….……Keith Padin
Benny Southstreet………………………………………Marc Improta
Rusty Charlie…………………………………………….Jeff Babey
Nathan Detroit……………………………………………Marc Garofalo
Sarah Brown…………………………………….………..Mia Scarpa
Arvide Abernathy………………………………………..Dave Ortoleva
Harry the Horse………………………………….…..….Steve Yudelson
Lt. Brannigan……………………………………..………Bill Doyle
Miss Adelaide…………………………………..….…….Sarah Cameron Nizzardo
Sky Masterson……………………………..….…….…..Brett Boles
Joey Biltmore……………………………………….……Kellen Schult
General Cartwright………………………….….………Suzanne Powers
Big Jule…………………………………………………….Joe Sedlock
Hot Box Girls………………………………Christy Bastarache, Lisa Masone,
Tricia Masone, Caitlin O’Keefe

Ensemble (Gamblers, Salvation Army, Citizens of Runyanland):

Jeff Babey, Casey Blohm, Katelyn Botsford, Kayla Chuba, Lindsay Gallo, Kayla Giampaolo, Lynn Giordano, Bobby Henry, Barbara Herman, Amy Kutniewski, Amanda Marrone, Max Marrone, Justin Mbaswa, Dan Nazzaro, Ernie Pagliaro, David Schancupp, Kellen Schult, Anna Shannon, Brian Sobel, Mary Tourigny, Lillian Trembley

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