Guys and Dolls

A show that premiered in 1950 on Broadway is still standing the test of time. It is a timeless piece evident from its many revivals and it will retain its allure for many years to come. A real crowd pleaser and it is a show that just keeps giving. Slap-stick style script offering so many comedic moments, colourful characters, stunning musicality and big dance routines. With music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, Guys and Dolls is based on Damon Runyon's tales of New York City.  The story tells of Sarah Brown, an upright, but uptight 'mission doll,' who sets out to reform the evildoers of New York's Time Square. Sky Masterson, a slick, high-rolling gambler who woos Sarah on a bet... but ends up falling in love with her! Miss Adelaide, the chronically ill nightclub performer whose condition is brought on by the fact she's been engaged to the same man for 14 years… Nathan Detroit, her devoted fiancé, always desperate to find a spot for his floating crap game.

The performance started and ended listening to the wonderful tones of the orchestra that was led by the shows Musical Director Rob Durkin, who were placed on stage behind the production, we were indeed in for a great evening musically. A great balance of sound between stage and band, never was any player on stage competing with the orchestra. Harmonies throughout were of a high standard and I was impressed with the quality of sound produced especially by the male ensemble. Standout numbers of the production which I must commend the vocals on were, “Oldest Established”, “Luck be a Lady” and “Sit down you’re Rocking the boat”, all of which were delivered with great dynamics, and light and shade.

The direction by Sam Milnes in this production was very imaginative and creative using the design of a minimalistic set. Sam must be congratulated on delivering a production which was so slick and pacey. Not only that but it gave us wonderful characters, granted these are provided by the script but they were given them new life and I felt engaged with characters such as Harry the Horse and Rusty Charlie. Characters regularly broke the fourth wall which brought the audience into the production giving you a feel that you were part of what was going on stage.

A bustling Broadway street scene greeted us when the curtain went back. Incorporated into a nice movement piece was lots of business and chaos providing good energy to set the show. The ensemble gave us lots of characters including tourists, missionaries, pickpockets, and gamblers. The same energy was given to the Havana Fight scene, lots of wonderful character work with slow motion incorporated into the fight scene. The genius addition of Nathan and Sky appearing as the men Adelaide and Sarah dream of was hilarious. A very well thought out vision which was delivered by great characters.

The choreography within the production was very creative. In this case I felt the male chorus really came through, the crap shooters section was well put together and “Luck be a Lady" is also worthy of a mention. “Sit Down you’re Rockin the Boat” also was one of the highlights of the show. However also well done to the fine and slick choreography of the Hot Box Girls. Congratulations to the show’s choreographer Emma Wilson.

Francesca Rosado played an excellent Sarah Brown. She portrayed a fiery character with some nice comedy as the show progressed. She sang with ease and had great vocal clarity hitting her notes beautifully. A good rendition of “If I were Bell”, where we get to see a somewhat different version of this character. Lovely performance.

Richard Armstrong playing Sky Masterson, gave a good, grounded portrayal of this role. A laid back approach to the character contrasted perfectly with the high energy provided by the Nathan Detroit role. A good vocal range delivered one of the biggest crowd pleasers of the evening “Luck be a Lady”.

Rick Whyte as Nathan Detroit gave one of the finest performances I have seen of this part. Yes, the character is well written, but Rick’s characterisation was so believable. Every gesture, facial expression and body movement was perfect. The accent never once dropped. Add his perfect comic timing and you have one rip-roaring Nathan Detroit on your hands. He worked so well with the rest of the cast and it was a pleasure to see his performance. “Sue Me” was a standout for this performer due to the perfect timing.

Stacey Gilyard-Rodgers gave a fantastic comic performance as the long-established girl-friend Miss Adelaide and quite unbelievable to say that this was her first major role. Rick and Stacey had great chemistry and they really bounced off each other. A fine vocal performance came from this lady. Her performance of “Sue Me” was excellent, not an easy number, but her diction was perfect.

Jack Bailey as Nicely-Nicely Johnson, what a role to play, and play it he did. A fine actor displaying many qualities within this role, a great accent, a sense of stupidity, and a great vocal to add. A very confident performance was well received by the audience. His version of “Sit Down you’re Rockin the Boat” gave a real thrill to all there- Well done!

Benny South-street played nicely by Ian Wilson. He had a good presence and added good comedy. It must be added that the three gentlemen playing Nicely-Nicely, Benny and Rusty performed as a trio and supported the comedy throughout the show. Their performance of “Fugue for Tinhorns” was great, considering the difficulty of this song. Rusty, played by James Wilczynski, added nicely to the trio, giving good support to the group. Nice touches of comedy.

Alan Hirst gave a heart-warming rendition of “Arvide Abernathy”, supported by some nice acting. He had a nice vocal tone and his delivery of “More I Cannot Wish You” was very touching.

The always looking Lieutenant Brannigan was delivered well by Neil Hellewell. Good performance throughout.

It must be said that all the performers added lovely layers to this show each giving some nice characterisation. There was a real sense of teamwork, and it looked like everyone was enjoying themselves.

I must commend the costume department for their hard work on making this show visually great. We saw some great typical gangster costumes, brightly coloured and I really loved the spats.

Overall, this was a very good, polished and confident production that delivered all the wit and humour the script allows. It was a pleasure to attend, and I look forward to your next production.

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