Chemistry? Yeah, chemistry. And they’ll know, when their love comes along! Finalizing the four-part dice-rolling interview series with key players from Tidewater Players’ Guys & Dolls, we have our Miss Sarah, or rather, Seargent Sarah Brown of the Mission. And Sky Masterson, that gamblin’ guy who can’t be beat at his own game!

Here we go! This should be a great way to cap the series!

Casey Brogan: I’m Casey and I play Sky.

Krysta Stefanosky: I’m Krysta and I’m playing Sarah Brown.

What was the draw to want to come out and do Guys & Dolls?

Casey: I was excited to come out and do Tidewater Players because they’re a new theatre that I’ve never worked with before and a classic like Guys & Dolls seemed like a really interesting show to do. I’ve been doing a lot more modern shows and stuff that’s been more popular recently. So I thought Guys & Dolls was a nice departure from that and a new opportunity to stretch my acting talents.

I’m deeply curious as to what you’ve done between Hello, Dolly! and this, because that’s the last thing I think I saw you in, and if I’m not mistaken, Dolly is older than G&D, or at the very least pre-dates it on the scenic-timestamp.

Casey: I’ve been working up north and also with Maryland Theatre Collective. More recently I was Will Parker in Oklahoma.

I feel like we need to re-define what modern means here.

Casey: Well not that one, but I did Beauty & The Beast as Gaston. And I worked as Plunk in Monster, which was an original, new piece at Maryland Theatre Collective. And that was really interesting to be a part of. I love doing musicals and plays so I’m just happy to keep on trucking along.

That’s awesome. And you’re quite young, yes?

Casey: I’m 23 years old, I’ll be 24 in July! I’m riding my youth!

Krysta: Shut up! I just turned 30.

I’ll be 39 in June. You’re all babies as far as I’m concerned! Now, Krysta, what was the draw for Guys & Dolls?

Krysta: Guys & Dolls has always been a bucket list show for me. I’ve done a lot of the classic, golden-age shows, that’s mostly my repertoire. My mom has always told me “you are Sarah Brown.” So whenever it became available, she always told me to go audition. I decided to audition, coming back to Tidewater after almost 15 years of being away. I live up in PA, so I do more stuff up there. I go as far north as Chester Springs, and I’ve done stuff down here just over the line in North East, which is actually where I met Casey.

Welcome back, that’s very cool. I think someone had mentioned that you were once a former Tidewater Teen.

Krysta: Yes, that’s where I met Mark (director Mark Briner) and Dickie (playing Nicely-Nicely Johnson, Dickie Mahoney) first, with Tidewater Teens.

That’s wonderful. Casey, how are you and Sky Masterson getting along? How are you similar? How are you different? What are you bringing to him, what’s he bringing to you?

Casey: So Sky Masterson is definitely a guy who takes a journey in this show. He starts off as this kinda misogynistic, baseline kind of guy. But throughout the show it’s nice to see that he has these layers of ‘deep down he does want that love’ that he acts like he doesn’t care about. It’s truly enjoyable to see how Sarah Brown brings out that more tender, more true part of him rather than the world of gambling and betting that he’s been a part of. I think it’s really helped me look at myself, look at the deeper layers of myself, and see how everyone kind of has these personalities and parts of themselves that they hide away. And you can forget to embrace those parts of yourself. So this has helped me to remember to embrace that and to be confident in myself not matter what my surroundings are.

Absolutely! And what about for you, Krysta, with Miss Sarah? How are you two similar and different? What are you bringing to her, what’s she bringing to you?

Krysta: Similar in terms of I’m very much like black and white and that’s Sarah. But through meeting Sky she discovers that it’s okay to let loose and have fun. I definitely think the two of us playing off one another works with that because I’m allowed to just have fun with him and we just each other for that. That Sarah arc of being very strict— like a ‘good Catholic girl’ only ‘Mission Doll’— and then learning it’s okay to let loose and have fun a little bit, I think we have that in common. Also, I believe that Sarah does bring out the ‘it’s okay to have rules in your life’ for Sky. So they balance each other. They’re—

Casey: Yin and yang.

Krysta: Yes!

Casey: That’s one thing I really like about both of them. They don’t completely disregard who they are deep down. It’s not like “oh, Sarah, you have to leave the Mission” or “oh, Sky, you can never gamble again.” Now at the end, somebody switches teams but that somebody is still making references to their former way of living. There’s that balance and when you find that balance with the right person, like Sky and Sarah do with each other, it helps everything be equal.

I love that. What’s been the biggest challenge for you so far?

Casey: It ties back to him and having that true motivation of trying to find that balance of ‘making him likeable’ with the horrible things he says sometimes, while also masking how he really feels. You get those small moments of hesitation before he says things. You can kind of tell that he doesn’t fully believe what he’s saying. So finding that balance while keeping him likeable.

Krysta, what’s your biggest challenge?

Krysta: Honestly my biggest challenge is trying to do the “If I Were a Bell” scene. Trying to act drunk without going too sloppy, and instead just having it be very tipsy, loose, and fun. That has been my biggest acting challenge. Finding that balance of sarcasm and sass when playing opposite Sky with some of his jibes, having Sarah come right back at him— I like adding that little layer because I think Sarah needs some sassiness.

We love a sassy Sarah. I hate to use the word favorite, but is there a number in the show that just defines the show— you hear it and “yep, that’s Guys & Dolls.”

Casey: The easy answer is “Luck Be a Lady.” It deserves that title. It has the seriousness of this lesson Sky might be able to learn but it also has the fun of the gangsters in the background. It’s a perfect mix of goofiness, seriousness, and heart. And I think it brings all that together in one fine point and it’s just fun to sing.

 Krysta: For me, it’s “Sit Down, You’re Rocking The Boat!” You can’t help but tap your foot along, smile, and want to stand up and start dancing during that song. It’s the quintessential, classic, golden-age, upbeat golden song.

Absolutely. Now, Casey, how do you feel about the fact that a large portion of the audience may be comparing you to Frank Sinatra or Marlin Brando or any of those iconic greats who came before?

Casey: That’s fine with me. I mean whatever Sinatra did was his own thing. Marlin Brando is the one who actually sings “Luck Be a Lady” in the movie. But I’ve taken a lot of my influence from other people in theatre who have done it. I looked at Ewan McGregor, Peter Gallagher, and stuff, going for more of the theatre-based influence for my performance. I can’t say that Sinatra does not have his easy little charm and that’s easy to slip back into, but I’m having a good time trying to make it my own.

I love hearing that. Making it your own. Now, for the fun and silly questions. What is Sky Masterson’s drink of choice?

Casey: Rye and soda. It’s in the show.

Is that the same or different from Casey’s drink of choice?

Casey: I love a rum and coke. Nice little basic rum on the rocks if I don’t feel like having too many calories.

And what is Miss Sarah’s drink of choice? I can’t imagine hers is alcoholic…

Krysta: Probably sparkling water. Or maybe a nice glass of wine?

And is that different from Krysta’s drink of choice?

Krysta: Oh yes. Depends on the season for me, though.

Oh no. If you say pumpkin spice latte, the interview ends right there.

Krysta: So that’s my coffee drink in the fall. But malibu bay breeze during the summer. And I do like a true cider in the fall. One of my favorites is from a place in Salem, Massachusetts… they do seasonal stuff and the one I really liked is a fig & sage, it’s called the Binx. (Released as a ‘Hocus Pocus’ inspired special from Far From The Tree.)

Casey: I do love my Angry Orchards. That’s my go-to six-pack I gotta buy in the fall.

I’m a gin girl. I never got into the ciders.

Casey: I love all alcohol. The only thing you won’t see me drink is Fireball because it hurts my throat.

Krysta: The only thing you won’t see me drink is wine because it gives me a hangover.

Is Mindy selling more cheesecake or more strudel?

Casey: Oh she’s selling more strudel, unfortunately. Even more so unfortunate for Nathan’s bet, but Sky sees through that.

Krysta: I think cheesecake is better. So cheesecake.

Very serious question. Mr. Masterson. Are you team Mission Doll? Or team Hot Box Doll?

Casey: Listen man, the Mission Dolls have a nice moral fiber and they’re very sure of themselves…but those Hot Box Dolls have a nice confidence and they have fun. They work hard. And everyone thinks they’re just sleazy little gals but they’re working hard, learning their choreography, learning their songs to dance at The Hot Box, multiple times a day! So I’m going with the Hot Box Dolls!

And Sarah? Team Mission Band? Team Gambling Guy?

Krysta: Can I choose both? I mean…she chose Sky…so…

Casey: You gotta pick one, man.

I think I’m with him. What he said.

Casey: Yeah. Just pick one.

Krysta: Probably Mission Guy then.

Casey: Okay. Go hang out with Arvide forever.

Krysta: With my grandfather? Yes I will, thank you!

Is he your grandfather in this one?

Casey: Is he your uncle?

He’s the Gruncle. Grand-Uncle? Unc-father? I’ve seen it done all kinds of ways, including grandma and or auntie when it’s Miss Arivde.

Krysta: I think the script says grandfather. He says he’s my grandfather.

Alrighty. Moving on. What is your gambling game of choice?

Casey: Gambling game of choice? I’m very strategic with my money because I don’t have enough to gamble with! But if I had to pick one…I would say the slot machine. It takes the least amount of skill and I would have such a huge chance of losing with anything that took real skill, so I feel like the slots are where I have the best chance. And I probably wouldn’t win much!

Krysta: I’ve never gambled.

Casey: Boo.

Never bought like a scratch-off ticket or a lottery ticket?

Krysta: My parents bought it for me, and I would just give it right back.

Casey: I’m changing my answer. I forgot about scratch-offs. They’re the most fun. Also no skill.

Krysta: I always say I don’t bet unless I know I’m going to win.

Casey: But if you buy a scratch-off card, and you’re one away, and then you buy another one, you’re more definitely likely to probably win. Maybe. That’s how the game works, right?

You two are a hoot. What is your favorite song to sing?

Casey: In this show? It’s got to be “Luck Be a Lady.” It’s the easy answer. But I do enjoy singing along backstage to “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat.”

I always forget Sky isn’t there for that. He deputizes Nathan and gets outta dodge.

Casey: Sky’s only ‘big’ number is “Luck Be a Lady.” I miss out on “Rockin’ The Boat” and “Guys & Dolls” and “Good Old Reliable Nathan.” So boat is the one where I get to bop along and have fun back stage, with that nice little spiritual masterpiece all unseen.

Don’t you have “My Time of Day?”

Casey: I do. But it’s very ballad-y. And I have some beef with that song but it’s okay.

You taking that song out to the back alley with Big Jule or something? What do you mean you have beef with it?

Casey: It’s a song where— I don’t know— it just takes up space! I don’t know why it isn’t a part of “I’ve Never Been in Love Before.” I remember when I first heard it I was like “what is this song doing here?” Though I do like the symbolism and the words; they are very sweet and I cannot deny that, much as I am a hater. It’s got some nice little moments in there.

Krysta: I think my favorite one to sing is probably “I’ll Know” because it’s that sweeping ballad and you get to see what each of them are looking for from their perspective. I really believer her feelings when she sings the reprise, after Sky says “…you can take a crack at the other cheek tomorrow…”

Ooh yes, she does slap him. Are you slapping left or slapping right?

Casey: Today you were left. But I went the wrong way. It’s fine. We’ll fix it.

Krysta: But I love that moment because at the reprise, she’s still stating what she wants in a man but she’s now looking at it with a very different perspective. She’s starting to make that shift in what she wants.

That is a beautiful sentiment. Now, we’re not going to Havana, Cuba here in 2025. But if you were kidnapping Sarah right now, where would you take her?

Casey: Hey I’ll take you to Barbados. Me and my girlfriend went there last year. Great place. We saw monkeys! If Miss Sarah gets told she will see monkeys on a vacation and she says no then she’s insane. You gotta see monkeys. They’re so cool.

You’re wild, Casey! Now, if Miss Sarah was setting up shop for her mission somewhere other than New York City, where would she be setting it up?

Krysta: Philly. They need it. And I can say that as a Pennsylvania person.

Casey: Wait a minute. The Eagles just won so there aren’t too many sinners right now.

I feel like they committed a lot of sins to win…

Casey: Yeah but there’s happy about it.

I’m not sure being happy and not sinning are the same thing…but let me redirect this conversation before it turns off down any other odd rabbit holes. Why do you want people to come out and see Guys & Dolls?

Casey: It’s the perfect show to just sit back, relax, and have a good time. We say it all the time, especially these days, but sometimes we all just need a little escapism to a simpler time and a simpler show. I think this show, as corny and goofy as it can be, is a classic for a reason. And I think that people will get to have a lot of laughs. If someone can have an emotional reaction to it, or be entertained by it? That’s all you really need.

Krysta: It’s just one of those feel-good shows. It’s a show where you know it’s going to have a happy ending. The Gamblers aren’t really bad guys. Nobody’s shooting anybody.

Casey: Maybe Big Jule.

Krysta: Yeah…maybe Big Jule. But otherwise, they’re just goofy. They’re not doing anything drastic. And it will all turn out good in the end. It’s just a happy, feel-good show. You can bring all generations to come see it.

What are you two thinking about at the end of the night when you walk out of rehearsal? That was great, that was difficult, what’s for dinner, I want my bed, what?

Casey: I think going back, I try and reflect on what I did in rehearsal. I want to make sure I’m bringing something new every time and keep building on what I have. As an actor, it’s easy to fall into the repetition of “run the show, run the show, run the show.” And fall into that self-drive mode where you stop paying attention. So I try to really focus on, ‘what did I do today? What were the choices I made? What do I think worked or didn’t work?’ I want to get the most productive stuff out of each rehearsal that I can.

Krysta: I do take notes after each scene: what I did best, what I need to work on, and I do ask for feedback from the director and music director and I ask them to please be nit-picky because that’s the only way I can improve and work through it if I know exactly what it is I need to work on. I don’t want to just ‘run the show’ like Casey said. I don’t want to just mark it. I want to be in the moment. So I take very big, detailed notes after every audition, after every rehearsal, after every show.

I love to hear that! Now, final question. You have to sum up your experience of working here with Tidewater Players on Guys & Dolls using just one word, which word do you use?

Casey: Funny!

Krysta: Fun.

Guys & Dolls will play May 9^th through May 18^th 2025 with Tidewater Players in residence at the Cultural Center at The Havre de Grace Opera House— 121 N. Union Street in historic downtown Havre de Grace, MD. For tickets call the box office at 667-225-8433 or purchase them online.

To read the interview with Big Jule & Harry the Horse, click here.

To read the interview with Benny Southstreet, Nicely-Nicely Johnson, and Rusty Charlie, click here.

To read the interview with Miss Adelaide and her Hot Box Dolls, click here.

To read the review of Guys & Dolls click here.