Guys and Dolls

Guys and Dolls based on two books by Damon Runyon with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling premiered on Broadway in 1950. The show ran for 1200 performances and has since had several revivals both on Broadway and on the West End.

Nathan Detroit a gambler in New York tries to find cash to set up crap games in the city while avoiding the authorities and nightclub performer Adelaide to whom he has been engaged for 14 years. Turning to a fellow gambler Sky Masterson who, as a bet, chases missionary Sarah Brown. The action takes place on the streets of New York as well as the sewers and Havana Cuba.

The cast included 41 members from Jigsaw Players Theatre Company with some young gamblers. As always it is not possible to name all involved however it was evident from the start everyone put in the effort and determination to make this another successful show under the direction of Maggie Bishton. The band comprising of seven musicians including musical director Chris Corcoran were well balanced and at no time over powered the performers on stage.

The two couples Nathan Detroit played by Steve Carley, Miss Adelaide played by Catherine Tabberner, Sky Masterson played by Jonathan Boxall- Southall and Sarah Brown played by Jenny Rose all played their respective parts well. As always Jonathan Boxall-Southall sang his songs, ‘I’ve Never Been in Love Before’ and, ‘Luck Be A Lady’ with great clarity and power. Jenny Rose acted and sang her song well and was believable in the character she portrayed. Steve Carley and Catherine Tabberner worked well together and provided some good comic moments especially during, ‘Adelaide’s Lament’ and, ‘Sue Me’ during which we hear of her ailments and the continual engagement.

Of the other ‘Guys’ there were many of them. Together they managed the movement within the, ‘Crapshooters Dance’ well and acted out the dice rolling scene well together. Keven Ward portrayed the likeable Nicely Nicely and sang the iconic, ‘Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat’ more than nicely and to great appreciation of the audience. There were some good performances from other gamblers including, Glyn Diggett as Benny Southstreet, Greg Boughton as Harry the Horse, Richard Hackett as Rusty Charlie and especially Mike Richter as Big Jule. Continually chasing the gamblers was Lt. Brannigan who was well played by Chris Broad.

There were some good performances also from the cast members in the Mission such as Pat Jones as Agatha and Sylvia Crump as General Matilda B Cartwright. However, a special mention for Alan Southall as Arvide Abernathy for his rendition of the more unknown song, ‘More I Cannot Wish You’. Finally, a mention of Anne Richter as the drunk whose presence was continual and in character.

Overall the choreography worked well especially the opening of act two during, ‘Take Back Your Mink’ involving the Hot Box Dancers and Adelaide.

Costumes were well thought out and in keeping with the production and the characters. Lighting and sound including the use of radio microphones was good. The set was primarily back projection, although some spillage of images on to the cast, these portrayed the scenes effectively and reduced the need for a set. Changes to furniture and small items of set were managed well with little or no disruption to the production.     

 

Once again Jigsaw Players Theatre Company provided an entertaining evening and as always, I look forward to your next production.

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