Guys and Dolls

Guys and Dolls is one of my favourite shows. After all, a show that has been popular for more than half a century and still has audience appeal must be doing something right. 

Although this show is Male orientated, Jan Jackson as director, did a great job of finding places in the  script for the ladies, or should I say Dolls,  of the ensemble to have their moment in the spotlight. It was also nice to see graduates from the society’s academy making their main society debut. The small band was well controlled under the direction of Peter Piper, and the cast produced some great harmonies. David Clayton, as Benny Southstreet inpaticular produced  some wonderful vocals. Guys and Dolls is also a show for dancers, with Runyonland, Take Back Your Mink, Luck Be A Lady and the Havana sequence which requires the cast to be able to move well. Rachel Crowe, choreographer, produced some great dance routines which were crisp, sharp and modern. I must mention Claire Clayton, who simply sparkled on the stage every time she appeared. 

Anyone who has seen the film, will recall how handsome Marlon Brando was as Sky Masterson. In CAOS’s version, Sky was played by the equally as handsome Jonny White. Jonny looked every inch the Sky we all picture in our head, with a great American accent, smooth moves and nice vocals. Sky’s love interest is the serious Sarah Brown, the Mission doll. Jenni Newton-Smith managed to capture the seriousness of Sarah’s character as well as being able to let her hair down in the If I Were A Bell number. As Nathan Detroit, Ben Jackson was able to show of his comedic skills and was an audience favourite, especially in the number Sue Me, where he was joined on stage by his fiancée of 14 years, Miss Adelaide, played by Connie Grice. Connie managed to get every inch of comedy out of this role, especially in Adelaide’s Lament. Ben and Connie worked really well together and would make the perfect Sam and Gladys in Copacabana. However, the stand out performance for me came from Daniel Storrie as Nicely- Nicely Johnson. From the moment we first saw him, Daniel was note, word and foot perfect. His Sit Down Your Rocking The Boat number was fabulous. Personally, I can’t wait to see what this talented young man does next. 

The main principals were well supported by Lee Hilton- Brammer (Big Jule) Phill Tuffin (Brannigan) Lynne Pilkington ( General Cartwright) and Michael Parker (Arvide) who’s More Than I Can Wish You was beautifully performed.  

Many thanks to Julia for your kind hospitality, and here’s to Me and My Girl. 

 

 

 

 

 

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