Argyle Theatre set for ‘Guys and Dolls’ in May and so much more

Column by Stephanie DeJoseph |

Theater-related Facebook groups were abuzz when the Argyle Theater in Babylon Village posted its first non-equity/equity audition information for its opening show, “Guys and Dolls.”

Hopeful actors and actresses went crazy tagging all their thespian friends, saying things like “This would be great for you!” and “You should audition!”

Theater enthusiasts have been waiting patiently as the old Babylon movie theater was being transformed by a father son duo, Mark and Dylan Perlman.

Dylan has been a working actor since childhood, so theatre has always been a part of the Perlman family’s life. He brings a real authenticity, having been a working actor since 11 — along with technical, directorial and production positions.

Why is this theater different?

For one, it’s Long Island’s newest and largest regional equity theatre!

That means they pay their actors following Actors Equity Guidelines. Many Broadway actors, when not currently performing in shows, will perform at regional theaters such as in Babylon.

The caliber and professionalism they will attract to the village is of a high standard.

Add to the mix the renowned actor/director Evan Pappas, and theater geeks’ heads were spinning.

Pappas has been seen on many Broadway stages, and is currently directing Broadway’s  Letters to Harvey Milk. (Harvey Milk is a Bay Shore High School grad, by the way.)

Interestingly enough, Dylan and Evan worked together in 2006-2007 on tour with “On Golden Pond.”

Now, 12 years later, they have come full circle. When the Perlmans thought about their future artistic director, they immediately thought of Evan — and they are very excited and lucky to have him as part of their team.

He will not be directing all of the shows — probably two or three — but he will hand-pick and guide all of the creative teams for the rest of the season.

And they chose their season very carefully.

The team at Argyle wanted to pick shows that would appeal to the largest amount of people — regardless of generational preferences. 

So they chose shows for audiences of all ages. But these are shows that also have a message. They’re a great fit for such a diverse community of theater goers.

The season’s musicals are:

GUYS AND DOLLS 5.10.18 – 6.17.18

Frank Loesser’s celebrated musical comedy about rolling the dice and falling in love under the bright lights of Broadway.

HAIRSPRAY 7.12.18 – 8.26.18

You can’t stop the beat in this big and bold musical

about one girl’s inspiring dream to dance.

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER 9.13.18 – 10.21.18

The Tony-winning play, based on the best-selling novels, upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan boy becomes the legendary Peter Pan.

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME 11.8.18-12.30.18

From the Academy Award-winning team comes a lushly scored retelling of Victor Hugo’s epic story of love, acceptance and what it means to be a hero.

SPRING AWAKENING 1.17.19 – 2.24.19

An angsty rock musical adaptation of the seminal play about the trials and tribulations of growing up.

THE PRODUCERS 3.14.19 – 4.21.19

A scheming producer and his mousy accountant aim to produce the biggest flop on Broadway in Mel Brooks’ laugh-out-loud spectacle.

Individual Standard Tickets will cost $74 each and Individual Saturday Evening Tickets will cost $79 each.

Season tickets are available on their website.

There will also be comedy nights and tribute shows, as well as a summer youth program, and another youth program of classes and workshops beginning in the Fall.

For updates you can follow Instagram:Argyle Theatre

Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/ArgyleTheatre/ 

Website: www.argyletheatre.com