Robert O. Berdahl directs the production, which features singer-actors Katy Hays, Dennis Curley and Berdahl. The performers are backed by Dan Chouinard on piano, Mark Stillman on accordion, Gary Rue on guitars and banjo, Chris Bates on upright bass, Chris Thompson on saxes and clarinet, and Matt Weaver on drums percussion and backyard dog. Warm Beer Cold Women, according to press notes, "lays out gritty truths like dirty laundry on the clothesline, with some rarely heard soliloquies laced in for his aficionados. For those unfamiliar with the bard of bum, the piece is a great introduction to some of Waits' best known works."

In a statement director Berdahl said, "Waits is part Dylan Thomas, part junk-yard dog. His characters, who at first blush seem to come from the margins of society, speak intimately to everyone. I wanted to create this show because of his writing; not to imitate his voice – nobody can do that – I wanted to try and emulate his heart."

The design team comprises Robert Berdahl (set designer), Lynda Myers (costume designer), Karin Olson (lighting designer) and Brandon Smith (sound designer).

Tickets, priced $18-$34, are available by calling (877) 44-STAGE or by visiting www.guthrietheater.org.

The Guthrie is located at 818 South 2nd Street (at Chicago Avenue), in downtown Minneapolis.