Guys and Dolls

For their 110th anniversary production Halifax Light Opera Society presented Guys and Dolls with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser based on the book by Jo Swerland and Abe Burrows, taking us into Runyonland with Damon Runyon's characters involving Salvationists, Gamblers and Showgirls.

This musical first premiered in 1950 and has lost none of its popularity and allure for the audience.  The opening scene over the overture was well choreographed showing the commings and goings on in the street involving the different characters.

Their first Sky Masterson had to drop out unfortunately due to illness and Ben Garbett literally stepped out of the the chorus into the lead role late on in rehearsals, giving an extremely polished and assured performance.  Innocent Sarah Brown (Emliy Hurst) gave a fine characterisation and sang with conviction.  The long suffering fiance Miss Adelaide, (Louise Whyte) with her perfect Bronx accent, confidently executed her Lament, always a highlight.  Nathan Detroit (Craig Tucker) showed depth and understanding of the role with good vocal abilities.  Nicely-Nicely Johnson, (Ian Smith) gave a robust performance and his big number "Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat" was very well received.

Harry the Horse, Benny Southstreet, Rusty Charlie and Lt Branning all gave convincing performances.  There were also experienced character performances from General Cartwright and Avride Abernathy with a praiseworthy rendition of "More I Cannot Wish You".

Lovely dance sequence in the Havana scene and a superb Sewer scene with an excellent "Luck Be Your Lady".

A happy lively production that deserves to be a success, my sincere congraulations to all.

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