Guys and Dolls

Guys and Dolls is based on a story and characters of Damon Runyon, with Music & Lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling & Abe Burrows. 

Southampton Operatic Society are celebrating being 100 years old, and what a great musical to pick in their 100th year. 

Sophie Barnard has worked hard on this fast paced show with some great choreography and an excellent cast. 

The music also has a terrific band, under the leadership of M.D. Amy Wardle. The Hat Box Dancers choreography was done by Kiri Golding. 

The set is simple and effective with a staircase that is moved by the cast to make different areas, and the Hot Box sign turning into the newspaper stand. I really liked the neon signs, and moving projections, the lighting and sound is just right, the costumes are also just right.

Rebecca Woodhead plays the role of Sarah Brown from the Salvation Army out to save the sinners of the town, she has a nice voice, and there are some funny moments in Havana with Sky. 

Sky Masterson is played by Kenny Adegbola, and is great in the role of the smooth gambler just back in town. He falls for a bet set up by Nathan that he can't take Sarah on a date, so he sets out to convince her he's a changed man so he can win the bet, by getting her to go to dinner with him if he get 12 fellow gamblers to attend her next meeting. There is a great chemistry between Sky & Sarah and some lovely moments in there songs. 

The title song, 'Guys and Dolls' is great, sung by Ollie Woods as Nicely Nicely Johnson and Samuel Davis as Benny Southstreet, along with the ensemble makes a great number. Ollie also leads a brilliant 'Sit Down Your Rocking The Boat'

Nathan Detroit is played by Neil Maddock who is great in the part, he has so much going on around him, trying to find where he can hold the next craps game for the guys and keeping his girlfriend Adelaide happy as she wants to get married as its their 14th Anniversary there are some lovely comedy lines between them. Miss Adelaide is played by Marie Leland, she has some great numbers in the show with the Hot Box girls, but the patter song 'Sue Me' with Nathan was great. I also really liked 'Marry The Man Today' with Sarah.

All other characters played their parts just right and kept the story moving along. There was a large cast in this show, and you could tell everyone on stage was enjoying every minute, which really came across much to the delight of the audience.  

Well done to you all on an excellent performance. 

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