Guys and Dolls

An opening scene that very quickly introduced a number of principals and a strong cast moving around the stage busily as the overture was playing, provided an audience grabbing start to this quality production. One that was well directed musically and artistically providing clarity in diction and accent. 

A love story of high rolling gamblers and a Salvation Army mission struggling to survive is the simple yet appealing plot, though lacking at times a little pace between scenes.  

Rob Pushkin played appropriately the vacillating Nathan Detroit, trying to find a location for his crap game’; simultaneously avoiding matrimony with his fiancée of fourteen years, Miss Adelaide. In the role of ‘Adelaide’ Kate Dyer was sassy with vocal strength, none more so that in the opening number of Act 2 ‘Take Back’ your mink supported by attractive dancing and costume. Gabby Thompson – demure and purposeful as ‘Sarah Brown’, running the Mission, and Daniel Guzman – ‘Sky Masterson’ - as the honourable savvy gambler were a well-matched combination.  Vocally Gabby is delightful especially when emotions spilled out on the dance floor after a few cocktails (‘If I was a bell, I'd be ringing’) was very good. Daniel gave a robust performance particularly in the interpretation of ‘Luck Be a Lady’. 

‘Arvide Abernathy’ played by Gillian Twaite offered a touching feminine ‘More I Cannot Wish You,’ ‘Steve Halfyard. ‘General Cartwright’ playing an agreeable role. As did other leading principals.

Many well-choregraphed scenes enabled a finely drilled Men’s and Ladies Chorus to execute movements well. In their cameo roles the frequent appearance of a vagrant and canine member Benny, guide dog to one of the cast members, always caught the eye of the audience.  Set changes from a carefully managed stage crew occasionally generated a little noise. 

There were some comic touches too. ‘Big Julie’ with an accomplished performance by John Clay always with a big cigar – and his dice with no spots! Well-co-ordinated salsa dancing in the Havana scene – eye catching costumes – were excellent. Frank Foley played a splendid Nicely – Nicely Johnson. His individual vocal supported by a snappy reactive chorus in Sit down you’re rocking the boat’ delivered strongly.

Ian G Cox Regional Councillor - NODA West Midlands on behalf of Paul Douglass District 9

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