Guys and Dolls

 ‘Guys and Dolls’ with it’s wonderful music and many varied characters is a show I never tire of. The eye-catching, lively opening Broadway scene buzzing with activity from various street performers and passers by created the atmosphere for this ever popular musical.

This was a very well cast show with a strong line up of principal characters and an ensemble who were well directed and choreographed from the start.

‘Fugue fo Tinhorns’ isn’t the easiest of numbers but this was extremely well executed by Nicely-Nicely Johnson (Tony Jackson), Benny (Fraser Shand) and Rusty (Michael Poon) three of a very believeable group of diverse gangsters. Naomi Barkley was a suitably demure, naive Sarah Brown who along with her group of mission dolls does her utmost to try to recruit and convert sinners. With a lovely, clear soprano voice she was well matched vocally to Sky Masterson (Alex Cantor), their duet ‘I’ve Never Been in Love Before’ convincingly romantic. Alex commanded the stage as the somewhat aloof, arrogant Sky leading the nimble footed gangsters in an impressive Crapshooters Ballet and ‘Luck Be A Lady’

Adelaide Adams is a gem of a part and Kirsten Adamson gave a superb, engaging, sparkling performance. She never missed a chance to bring out the subtle humour, ‘Adelaide’s Lament‘ never overplayed but performed with a natural professionalism. She had a wonderful rapport with Nathan Detroit (Colin Richardson), the perfect, loveaable rogue trying to conceal his gambling addiction form Adelaide with whom he has never quite made it to the alter. Their scene when Adelaide confesses the tales she has been telling her mother about their relationship and Nathan’s reactions were most amusing. I did sympathise with him in ‘Sue Me’. The contrast in characters between Sarah and Adelaide came across very well indeed so that the realisation that they did have something in common in ‘Marry the Man Today’ was well played.

All of the other supporting characters gave meaningful performances. Big Jule (Steve Griffin) with his drole, gruff voice and Harry the Horse (Andrew Todman) completed the motley crew of gangsters while Lt. Brannigan (Bob Bowden), a Columbo type cop, did his best to sort them all out.

The ‘Hot Box Girls’ in their stunning costumes performed an energetic ‘A Bushel and a Peck’ and were in great form opening Act 2 with a glitzty ‘Take Back Your Mink.’

There are some big musical numbers in this show and these were all sung confidently and with great enthusiasm. ‘Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat’ ably led by Nathan was an extremely well thought out ‘dream sequence.’ I haven’t seen this number moved so much before but the choreography here worked particularly well with slick movement creating the various images in Nathan’s dream. Very good indeed.

With so much hustle and bustle on stage, it was good to hear a most touching rendition of ‘More I Cannot Wish For’ sung by Arvide (Scott Kenneway) whose scene with Sarah was warm and sincere. Jill Grimmond characterised the austere somewhat cold General Cartwright but managed to convey her soft almost flirtatious side when she came face to face with the gangsters in the mission.

Scenery, lighting,props and costumes all enhanced the production.The sound was well balanced so that the wit in this musical was never missed. A well disciplined orchestra although brassy never overwhelmed the singers.

This was altogether a most enjoyable production with a real feel good factor which certainly had the audience leaving the theatre singing. Well done guys and dolls.

 

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