Guys and Dolls
Information
- Date
- 8th March 2025
- Society
- Paisley Musical & Operatic Society
- Venue
- The Kings, Glasgow
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Gillian Gray
- Musical Director
- Chris Bensalem
- Choreographer
- Lisa McConnell
- Producer
- Pauline Thomson
Guys and Dolls is definitely one of the classics, and with lots of modern musicals being staged recently in the area it was nice to see this classic make a comeback to the local amateur scene.
The production team of Gillian, Chris and Lisa did a fantastic job of bringing this musical to life with colourful lively scenes and staging, bringing 1940s gangster NYC to the Glasgow Kings Stage. A lot of the bigger musical numbers were so impressive with the direction and choreography flowing well together while the energetic ensemble and principals showcased strong vocals. The opening scene which was added over the overture was well staged moving smoothly into the initial street scene and opening number, and was a great example of the strong connection the drama, movement and music was to have throughout the rest of the show. Director Gillian also brought out the best of the comedy that is laced throughout the script, with even the most subtlest of line landing a laugh – testament to not only Gillian, but the exceptional delivery given by the leading performers. Lisa’s choreography was very creative and in particular the partner work in Havana, full ensemble work in‘Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat’ and the Crapshooters Dance were highlights. The larger moving set and backdrops set the scene wonderfully and the stage crew worked these smoothly to keep the show moving.
There were some very strong performances within the cast particularly Craig Carter as Nathan Detroit and Eilish Brand as his long suffering fiancé, Adelaide. The pair played off each other superbly and brought the best out of each other’s characters in their joint scenes. Both had excellent comic timing, with Eilish particularly making the most of her “cold” to build extra hilarity. They were well supported by Gerard Kane as the enigmatic Sky Masterson and Roslyn Dale as the shy and humble Sarah Brown. Both Gerard and Roslyn used their impressive vocals to fill the theatre, and their duet ‘I’ll Know’ was beautiful. These four roles do the brunt of the legwork in the show and I thought as a quartet, they were fab! I must also give a mention to Lewis Compston for his portrayal of Nicely-Nicely Johnston which grew in comedy all night, culminating in the classic ‘Sit Down Your Rockin’ The Boat’ which everyone was waiting for – needless to say it got the massive ovation from the audience that it deserved. Within the minor principal characters and ensemble there were great performances, and special congratulations should go to the Hot Box Dancers who filled the stage with joy in their dance numbers and humour that layered up their own characters within the group. Too many to mention by name, but all outstanding.
The full ensemble were engaged from the start and delivered strong individual performances within the large group scenes, no matter where you looked on stage a story was happening, from flirty and feisty Havana dancers to Crapshooters fist pumping Big Jule!
Another highlight of my night was to have the performance accompanied by the large 12 piece orchestra led superbly by MD Chris. There’s nothing better than being hit by a wall of sound when the overture starts and Chris’s orchestra did not disappoint.
Another great success for the club, and many thanks for the lovely hospitality extended during my visit as always.
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