Guys & Dolls

What a welcome that awaited myself and my Fiancé at the Trinity Centre. Immediately welcomed by popcorn vendors, the New York Police Department and a lady, who was adamant I was having watermelon! (Thanks Jill, it was delicious haha!)

Guys and Dolls, for me, is one of my favourites. This production by the North Ormesby Minstrels was a bright and lively show from start to finish with its many tuneful melodies played in front of what seemed to me a very appreciative audience. 

The Society brought the Damon Runyan story of New York’s gambling fraternity to life, providing a lot of laughter and good humour as well as a lot of accomplished acting, singing and dancing.

There was a strong set of principals headed by Paul Mason, as Nathan Detroit, portraying the gambler always losing, with Alice Maenami as Miss Adelaide, his long suffering fiancé.  Both characters were more than capable of handling the comedy and sang very well, Alice for me, was outstanding with her stamina and voice, all whilst being “a person who could develop a bad, bad cold”!

Mention must be made of George Maenami as Sky Masterson and Joanne Mason as Sarah Brown, the “Mission Doll”.  Both gave great performances and worked really well together on stage.

Garry Dring (Benny Southstreet) and Martin Maenami (Nicely Nicely Johnson) sang well together in “Guys and Dolls” and had lots of perfect comedic timings throughout the show. I also think that the Hot Box Girls did very well with a “Bushel and a Peck” and “Take Back Your Mink”. 

An all round great evening’s entertainment supported by a great 3 piece band under the skillful direction of Matthew Allan, a great technical team, colourful costumes and a simple yet very effective set.

Huge congratulations to everyone involved and to the Director, Lesley Maenami, whose vision was hopefully executed just as she wanted.

Thank you one and all and I cannot wait to be invited back to your next performance.

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