Guys and Dolls

Guys and Dolls is possibly one of the best loved 50’s musicals. The overture of Frank Loesser’s popular score gives a taste of the melodies to come and nearly all are well known so that an audience settles quickly.

The production got off to a brisk start with the three gangsters Nicely-Nicely Johnson (Justin Skelton), Benny Southwest (Mark Belcher) and Rusty Charlie (Matt McDonagh) establishing their characters while betting on the outcome of the days races in ‘Fugue for Tinhorns’ which was crisp and snappy. They are interrupted by the somewhat naive Sarah Brown and her mission band who try to encourage the gamblers to give up their habit little knowing that their mission will be used for an illegal crap game and that Sarah herself will fall for a gambler..

There are some interesting and contrasting characters in this show. Nicely-Nicely Johnson was played with exuberance by Justin Skelton whose ‘Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat’ deservedly went down well with the audience while Mark Becher portrayed Benny as a bright but somewhat vulnerable character who endeared himself to the audience. Ali MacDougall  (Nathan Detroit) had very good comedy timing and despite his addiction to gambling showed his softness and love for Adelaide even though he does try to keep her in the dark about what he is up to and constantly postpones their wedding date. Claire Riddoch, the perky if somewhat dipsy Adelaide with a fourteen year engagement, got lots of fun out of the part with her appropriate irritating voice and well delivered musical numbers. ‘Adelaide's Lament’ when she tries to convince herself that putting off marriage is the reason she develops a cold was well put across as was ‘Take Back Your Mink’ with the sexy Hot Box Dolls.

One of the strongest vocal performances of the evening was Thomas McFarlane’s Sky Masterson. With a lovely natural voice Thomas sang with great feeling and expression particularly in ‘I’ve Never Been in Love Before’ and ‘Luck be a Lady’. Sky of course accepts the bet of taking Sarah off to Havana and Laura Paterson did well transforming from the shy to the more raucous Sarah after a few drinks.

The lively bunch of gangsters/gamblers contrasted well with the more demure Salvation Army ladies. I always think this musical comes to a somewhat sudden conclusion but of course despite the ups and downs throughout there is a happy ending.

The many scene changes were well handled and the production moved along at a good pace. The small but very good orchestra supported the singers well and colourful sets and costumes made for a visually pleasing production.

All in all a very enjoyable evening.

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