Christian Family Theater will open its expanded 2026–2027 season with Guys and Dolls JR., bringing the beloved Broadway classic to The Ringgold Colonnade for three performances only, June 26–28.

The production features a cast of 37 young actors in seventh through 12th grade, many of whom have been training and performing with CFT for years. With big dance numbers, familiar music, colorful characters and the most ambitious set design the organization has taken on to date, Guys and Dolls JR.

reflects both the growth of CFT and the remarkable talent of the young performers on its stage.

Officials said, "While Guys and Dolls JR. is full of classic Broadway charm, the larger story is the level of excellence audiences have come to expect from Christian Family Theater. CFT productions are known for young actors who bring focus, discipline, professionalism and emotional commitment to their work. From vocals and choreography to character development and storytelling, the organization continues to raise the bar for what youth theater can be.

"Audience members often say they arrive expecting a typical 'kids show' and leave surprised by the quality of the production." 

Following CFT’s most recent musical, James and the Giant Peach JR., one audience member said, “I came expecting a kids show, and I felt like I got a Broadway-caliber performance. I was blown away by these talented young actors.”

Officials said, "For CFT, those reactions reflect the training and expectations built into the rehearsal process. Young performers are challenged to approach each production with excellence, teamwork and respect for the story they are telling. The result is family-friendly theater that is polished, energetic and often surprising to first-time audience members.

"That commitment has also been recognized beyond the local stage. At the 2026 Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta, where the team brought home an award for Excellence in Music, adjudicators praised CFT’s production of Matilda JR. for its high level of training, creativity and ensemble strength."

“This presentation had incredible energy jumping off the stage,” said Niani Feelings, a New York City-based performer and choreographer. “It was clear that this program gives strong training in acting, singing and dance. Nothing outweighed another. Just all around strength.”

Josh Zacher, a performer, director-choreographer and teaching artist, called the cast “one of the most cohesive and tightly compacted groups of the weekend,” adding that CFT is “committed to developing a strong sense of teamwork and a high caliber of artistic education.”

Kenny Shepard, assistant teaching professor at Ball State University and resident choreographer at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, called CFT’s Matilda JR. his “personal favorite show of the entire festival,” adding that CFT’s young artists are “passionate” and “talented singers, dancers and actors.”

Officials said, "Guys and Dolls Jr. brings young actors into one of musical theater’s most recognizable worlds, filled with gamblers, missionaries, nightclub performers and larger-than-life personalities. Even audience members who have never seen musical before are likely to recognize some of its classic songs, including “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.”

"Founded in 2015, Christian Family Theater has grown into one of the Chattanooga area’s most active theater training organizations, providing high-quality theatre training and performance opportunities in a wholesome, safe nurturing environment.

"The production also reflects the spirit of CFT’s newly expanded season. Following significant growth in recent years, the organization recently announced the largest season expansion in its history, including more productions, more age-specific opportunities, expanded training programs and continued investment in its studio space and educational offerings.

"For CFT, the expansion is about more than adding shows. It is about creating more opportunities for young actors to learn, grow, lead and experience the joy of live theater in a supportive community."

Guys and Dolls JR. will be performed at The Ringgold Colonnade on Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, June 28 at 3 p.m. for three performances only. Tickets are available at www.CFTChattanooga.com.

For more information about Christian Family Theater, upcoming productions, classes and auditions, visit www.CFTChattanooga.com.