Guys and Dolls

Guys and Dolls is one of my favourite musicals and I was interested to see how the JR version had been adapted
considering the themes of the adult production. The original premiered in November 1950 and the JR version 1998 but I 
must say that the vast majority of the wonderful songs were included as were the emotions, experiences, humour and 
tenderness. I could tell by the presentation of the opening number that we were in for an excellent  afternoon’s 
entertainment.

The opening scenery created by Imattination Production was a collection of 9 four sided panels which were placed in set 
positions on the stage with different images of a New York skyline. These worked really well and were illuminated at 
times by strip lights to add detail. One little point though I was a little confused when Sarah and Sky were in the bar in 
Havana and the New York Skyline was lit behind their table and chairs. I understood the use of the strip lighting but 
wondered if it would it have been possible to cover the image. The truck with the entrance to the Save a Soul Mission
with the trimmed tabs was great with it’s added detail and props. Other scenes were shown by pulling curtains and 
adding detail such as illuminated signs. The props used were carefully chosen and added authenticity. Personal props 
were well managed by the cast members, the authentic looking newspapers were great. The scene changes were well 
accomplished by the stage crew with the aid of cast members.

There were lighting bars set both stage left and right and a variety of different spot lights which were used to add detail 
and atmosphere to scenes especially the ‘Crap shooters dance’. One little issue I did spot was that some cast members 
set far stage left and right were in darkness but I understand from your front of house member that you were having 
issues with your lighting desk, hopefully this will be re solved quickly for you. The sound was well managed with the 
backing track set at a correct level so all the text, song lyrics and sound effects could be heard clearly. 

Your director obviously had a clear plan when she was in development for this production. The songs in this 
performance need good vocal technique, an understanding of phrasing and complex rhythms, great timing and a good 
vocal range. All of which can be difficult for adults to deliver but your young cast had obviously been well rehearsed and 
delivered with aplomb.  

The dancing was as I expected with your experienced choreographer very varied, well-rehearsed and delivered with a 
smile.  The Hot Box Girls routine and the Crap Shooters dance were excellent.

The costumes worn by the cast showed an ideal era and ensured all the different groups were dressed appropriately. 
The males all looked debonair in their well-fitting suits and hats. The Mission outfits looked perfect and the Hot Box Girls 
fabulous. The ensemble’s outfits added detail to the scenes. I  appreciated the extra detail added with footwear, hair and 
accessories.

Sky Masterson was the ultimate suave, slick, charming gambler, he was a ‘player’ and has total faith in his ability to get 
what he wanted and therefore couldn’t resist taking on the bet from Nathan. Your actor was able to demonstrate all 
these assets. He gave a strong confident performance demonstrating great interaction on stage with his fellow actors 
and growing affection for Sarah. His singing of ‘Luck be a Lady Tonight’ and ‘I’ve Never Been in Love Before’ was 
excellent and he moved with confidence. 

The young lady depicting Sarah Brown was the perfect opposite to Sky the chemistry they portrayed belied their young 
age, they bounced off each other, her drunk scene in Havana was excellent and the affection shown ideal for JR 
production. She showed how committed she was to make the Mission work by taking on the bet but Sky got under her 
skin. She had great stage presence, moved with confidence and her phenomenal vocal talents brought great emotion to 
‘I’ll Know’ and camaraderie to ‘Marry the Man Today’.

Miss Adelaide brought both comedy and pathos to the production. Your player gave a brilliant performance, she showed 
all of her personality from her great accent, shrill voice, comical dialogue to her desperation to capture Nathan in 
‘Adelaide’s Lament’. Her dancing was great and her rendition of ‘A Bushel and a Peck’ with the great backing from the 
Hot Box Girls was splendid. The girls worked well as a group and Mimi was a good friend to Adelaide, she spoke 
clearly. 

The actor depicting Nathan Detroit created a believable characterisation of the ‘wide boy’ who was constantly trying to 
find an easy way to make money usually by setting up crap games. While he  was attempting to find venues, he was 
constantly making excuses to his fiancée concerning a marriage date. He had good comic timing and great chemistry 
with Adelaide. 

Nicely-Nicely Johnson with his sidekicks Benny Southgate and Rusty Charlie opened the show with an excellent 
interpretation of ‘Fugue for Tinhorns’ a complex piece about the day’s races. Nicely-Nicely also showed his comic timing 
and excellent mastery when delivering the iconic ‘Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat’. The young men playing the parts 
created convincing characterisation with good accents.  

The last two named characters in the crapshooter’s crew were Harry the Horse and Big Jules they were played well by 
your members. They bounced off each other delivering their comic lines with Harry reminding people about Big Jules 
expectations.

Lieutenant Brannigan the police officer who was always being outwitted by the gamblers was depicted well by your 
player. 

The Mission Band led by Sarah were brilliantly played throughout the performance they were constantly found passing 
on their messages about drinking and gambling and singing ‘Follow the Fold’ with the wonderful addition of instruments 
being played live.  The young lady portraying Arvide Abernathy Sarah’s grandmother was great and supported her in 
everything she did. The head of the Save a Soul Mission General Cartwright spoke clearly with authority.

Lastly, I need to mention the additional ‘Guys and Dolls’ who were on point throughout the production. They were totally 
focused whether taking part in the production numbers or actively contributing to any scene they were in. The main 
theme of the show is the exploration of unlikely love as seen through a set of contrasting characters. Not an easy theme 
for a youth company but your experienced production team hit the challenge on the nose and created a show with 
excellent pace and attention to detail. Many congratulations to all whether on stage or behind the scenes.

Disclaimer 

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The 
reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance and it is inevitable that his assessment will be 
affected by that knowledge. 

The NODA Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular, the 
performance.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques 
used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and 
are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater 
achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future 
productions.

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