Guys and Dolls

A production from the youth section from Dereham. Once again it is the energy and enthusiasm and enjoyment of all which strikes with DOSYTCo.   Certainly this was a fast moving production, filled with lots of excellent and well defined characters from Broadway.   There was good use of groupings and movement, and attention to details under direction of John McInnes.  There was also a clever use of girls in some roles (and they did not detract in this participation) which gave them all the chance to shine and to keep the high standard of the production, this was a strong cast.   I must applaud the choreography by Jodie Quirke, it was well rehearsed and slick and appropriate, and by using some ‘gamblers’ girls even the ‘Luck be a Lady’, which is often difficult, worked in style. The orchestra in a different room was a try-out, certainly made space for the stage extension, and seemingly worked under the direction of Helen Cowie.  The singing was well projected by all. One thing that particularly impressed was the strong discipline in costumes and hair, with all in place displaying style and professionalism.

 Leading off the action with ‘Fugue for Tinhorns’, Elliot Hunter (Benny Southstreet), Alfie Mazzei (Nicely Johnson) and Avalon Murfett (Rusty Charlie) set the standard of the production with vocals of harmony and projection and energy levels, and we knew that we were in for a treat.    The ‘Guys and Dolls’ number from these two young men brought down the house with applause, so dynamic was it and most professional.  It was difficult to believe that Nicely was really only just 14 years, as he led the big set-piece of ‘Sit down you’re rocking the boat’, quite amazing and to look for in future years (and a younger brother in cast!)

The two romantic leads Sky (Sam Kemp) and Sarah (Rachael Bird) were well matched in vocals , acting and style; with each bringing out their characters well. Sam is new to the company and an asset on stage with personality and voice.   Whilst Rachael has served with style and professionalism (and NODA 10year youth badge).  She has been the bright shining star and this role just showed the talents that will be leaving the group, when she disappears to stage school in the autumn.  What an excellent performance in all aspects and to leave on a ‘high’ like this in leading the group from the front.   I must mention her style and singing skills, particularly in ‘If I Were a Bell’ and in the duet ‘Marry the Man’ where the vocals from both girls brought down the house.

The two ‘character and comedy’ roles were well realised by Jordan Quirke as the hapless Nathan Detroit with his crap game and engagement to the bubbly Natasha Scollay as Adelaide, the fiancée. Nice stage presence and personality from Jordan, the dialogue well pointed and timed and amusing, singing adequate in the role, and good in the big numbers. Natasha was excellent as Adelaide with style and comedy timing, impressively strong voice used well, and good movement.   What a really striking performance in a perfectly suited role.

 Use of Olivia Dolman as Arvide was inspired with that voice of wide range and tone in the ‘best’ number of the show: smooth golden notes and the emotion coming through with intensity, perfection. Other slightly ‘minor’ characters that worked well: Heather Jones as Harry the Horse, always there and full on and with energy, and the interplay with the Big Jule from Joseph Read (certainly a bruiser). Nice cameos from Emelia Campbell as Agatha and Ellie Davison as General Cartwright in the Mission scenes, Ollie Ludman as Brannigan and Jessica Biggam as Biltmore in the gambling sequences, and a fine MC from Matthew Cook at the Hotbox.

However this show is not just about the named roles as everyone, on stage, is important in creating the atmosphere, the strong harmonies and vocals.   The movements and dancing in the Hotbox team, and above all the well-judged characterisations throughout, even to the tiniest on stage in the smallest appearance. This is a company show and how well it worked, all knew what to do and where to be and what to sing in perfect timing, congratulations to all involved.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.