November 3, 2026

MSM Musical Theatre will present the beloved musical theatre classic Guys and Dolls from November 6-8 in Neidorff-Karpati Hall.

We spoke with MSM Musical Theatre junior, Topher Yengbeh (BM ’28) who plays the role of Arvide Abernathy about the musical, how he stepped into his character’s shoes, and why you should see the show.

ABOUT TOPHER

Topher Yengbeh (BM ’28) is a vibrant Liberian-American actor in his junior year at MSM where he studies with Angela Owens. A multi-hyphenate, he is passionate about mining nuance and contradiction within his work, empowering the reality that many things can be true at one time. Topher’s MSM performance credits include Pippin, Violet, the Disney Theatrical Reading of Frozen, Freshman Pops, and MSM’s Musical Theatre Honor Society, Alpha Psi Omega’s, Night of Color cabaret. Passionate about new works, Topher has also been featured in four Lab Series readings at MSM: Mudville, Fatty, Magia, and A Short History.

What is Guys and Dolls about?

Topher: Guys and Dolls takes root in the short stories of Damon Runyon; “The Idyll of Miss Sarah Brown,” “Blood Pressure,” and others. The show centers two romances, intertwined by a high-stakes bet. To me, the piece exposes characters and their vulnerabilities in love, all within a pressure-cooker of highly dense language. With a score by Frank Loesser and a book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, the show is oozing with stakes that are sure to excitedly stimulate audiences.

You’re playing Arvide Abernathy—how have you stepped into their shoes?

Topher: It has been a pleasure navigating the characterization of Arvide. Prior to auditioning for the show, I spent a lot of time investigating Black literature, studying the Harlem Renaissance, and subsequent years of history, as the show is set in mid-20th century New York City. Throughout the rehearsal process, I have continued to gain literacy around the history of this time, as this knowledge is paramount to my artistic awareness and presence within the world of the show. A current read that has been rather illuminating and helpful to my process is James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time! All of this has served my interpretation of Arvide in a way that feels immediate and available to myself as an actor.

What is something you learned from studying/performing Guys and Dolls that surprised you?

Topher: Early within our show’s rehearsal process, I was notified that I would be featured in some dance numbers in the show, in which I appear as different characters, in addition to playing Arvide. With this surprise, I was given the challenge of trusting my gift, allowing it to serve the needs of the production. I believe this art form requires much of all involved within it. All of the work I do is revelatory, as it invites me to explore how to best preserve and protect myself to sustain the project.

What is something your character, Arvide, taught you, Topher?

Topher: Living within this role teaches me something new every day. Arvide has availed me to embrace advocacy and lean into my power — he is constantly engaged with my curiosities and implores me to a greater sense of responsibility and trust. He has taught me the value of protection — of myself, of my loved ones, of my life’s work; he has incentivized me toward building community and honoring legacy.

Why should people attend Guys and Dolls?

Topher: Audiences should attend this show, as it has been well-loved for years within the Musical Theatre canon. Our production dares to interpret the piece through a different lens — come and see!

Why did you decide to study Musical Theatre at MSM?

Topher: Connection is a core value in my life, as I have a strong capacity for such. As I was deciding where to attend school, I met with Liza Gennaro, former Dean of Musical Theatre. Within that conversation she and I had, it became increasingly apparent that I ought to choose to attend MSM; I deemed this program capable of giving me rigorous training, and it has certainly required me to develop my own artistic philosophy and boldly celebrate my individuality. I have always had the desire to attend school in New York City; it was just a matter of where.

What is something you’ve accomplished this year that you’re proud of?

Topher: I made my regional debut as Melvin Franklin in Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations with Transcendence Theatre Company this past summer! I have recently been missing sunny California, where the theatre is based. I still am reeling in gratitude for the experience and its celebration of Black excellence. The frequency of love is still very much felt from such an opportunity; here’s to receiving more to come!

Review from Patrick Thomas of Talkin’ Broadway:

“But I may have been most impressed by Topher Yengbeh‘s portrayal of bass singer Melvin Franklin [in Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations]. Not only is his basso appropriately profundo, he exhibits some of the best pure acting skills among the cast. Watching his expressive face deliver moments that could alternately break your heart or make you smile in delight is one of the highlights of the evening.”