Guys & Dolls

Since its premier in 1950 Guys and Dolls has found great success, enjoyed many revivals and is still just as popular today. SMTG continued to entertain with this latest version.

The use of large, illuminated signs both overhead and upon the proscenium arch was incredibly eye catching and highly effective.  The addition of various, different trucks and set dressings aided in setting the scene and contextualising the action.  Shows with a great number of scene changes and special care should be taken to minimise movement and avoid too much detailed scenery. Lighting was very efficient throughout and helped to create the appropriate ambiance and setting.

The men’s costumes were striking and the ladies similarly bright and eclectic and well suited to the era, with a nice mixture to help portray the diversity of the New York population of the time. Hair and makeup were in keeping and well executed.

Frank Loesser’s score is beautifully big and brassy and one can’t help but feel lifted by its full, bright sounds.  As the overture segued into the opening sequence, the show got off to a fantastic start, full of verve and vigour, with both the cast enjoying themselves and the orchestra obviously in their element.

Men! - as is always an issue within amateur theatre, there was a deficit of male cast members, however this was competently overcome with the swapping of gender of several characters, with a female Harry the Horse working particularly well.  The principal line up was made up of both experienced and new performers but made a balanced team who worked well and sympathetically together.

The whole SMTG ensemble did a first rate job, with each member ensuring their roles were fully formed and well rounded, to help provide the and hustle and bustle of New York and its’ inhabitants.  The direction was well thought out and created many effective moments – some interesting ideas well translated to the stage.

Overall, I really did enjoy this performance.  The entire cast did a brilliant job carrying themselves ‘within the style’ of the era and they were very entertaining to watch; it was clear that a lot of work had gone into characterisation as was apparent in the performance. 

Once again, many thanks for your warm hospitality and for providing a great evening’s entertainment.  I wish you every success with your forthcoming productions and look forward to seeing them.

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