When Glenn Rainey walks onstage as Nicely-Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls, chances are he’ll have at least a few friends in the audience cheering him on. Rainey grew up in Newnan and lives in Atlanta, where he’s built up an impressive resume that includes work with the Atlanta Lyric Theatre, Alliance Theatre and Theater of the Stars. But he has also appeared in films such as Enchanted and The Shaggy Dog, and on Broadway in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. We recently caught up with Rainer to talk about performing on the Great White Way, being recognized by his peers and why Guys and Dolls is such an enduring classic.
What was it about being onstage that compelled you to make acting your career?
I knew early on that it stirred something within me. There was something about being able to be someone else onstage that I loved. I was a band nerd in high school, and though not necessarily unpopular, I gained more acceptance when my peers saw me perform. I knew it would become a huge part of my life.
Last year you earned two Suzi Bass Awards nominations for your work in Atlanta theatre. What was it like being recognized for your work in two productions in the same year?
I was so honored to receive the nominations for leading actor and featured actor in a musical, and to win for leading actor playing Edna in Hairspray at the Atlanta Lyric Theatre was thrilling. Also, to have Harvey Fierstein [book writer and part of the original Broadway cast] attend a performance of A Catered Affair while he was in town with the Fiddler tour was overwhelming. As for the Suzi Awards, it’s always gratifying to be nominated for your work by your peers. Suzi Bass was a dear friend, and honoring her memory every year is so special to this community.
I know you’ve performed on Broadway, which is every actor’s dream. What was it like making that leap from Atlanta theatre to the Great White Way?
I truly believe that we are on a predestined path, and that being on Broadway was just meant to be for me. But it certainly did not come without a lot of hard work, help from friends and colleagues, and “paying dues.” I didn’t move to New York until I was 39 years old. Through a series of serendipitous circumstances, I eventually ended up on Broadway. Making my Broadway debut at the Palace Theatre is something I hold dear and will never forget.
Guys and Dolls is more than 60 years old. Why does it remain so popular?
Frank Loesser, I believe, was a musical genius. He, along with his book collaborators, had the ability to write character-driven music that serves his musicals brilliantly and tells the story in an essential and efficient way. Guys and Dolls is just forever a beloved classic. I can’t believe it’s my first time doing the show and playing Nicely. I’ve been singing “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat” for auditions since I was in my 20s. To finally sing it to audiences onstage is thrilling!
How do you feel the Atlanta theatre scene has evolved since you started out as a performer?
It continues to grow by leaps and bounds every year, and it’s filled with artistry and passion. I’m honored to be a member, and I cherish the relationships I’ve made. Thanks for giving me this opportunity to put it on record. And thank you, audience members, for continuing to support live theatre. Enjoy the show!
Guys and Dolls flexes its musical muscles from Aug. 16-21 at the Fox Theatre.
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Bret Love is the founder of ecotourism/conservation site GreenGlobalTravel.com; the national managing editor of INsite magazine; and music editor for Georgia Music Magazine. He freelances for more than a dozen other national and international publications, and performs on numerous improv teams with Jackpie at Relapse Theatre.
