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Guys & Dolls

Author: Ian G Cox

Information

Date
27th October 2012
Society
Droitwich Theatre & Arts Club Ltd (Norbury Theatre)
Venue
Norbury Theatre
Type of Production
Musical
Director
Maggie Bishton/ Dialect Coach Lynn Dawes
Musical Director
Marty Freeman
Choreographer
Dawn Tolley

Frank Loesser's musical gem is a perfect balance of story, dance music and romance, based on the Broadway stories of Damon Runyon. Since its debut in 1950, the lush score, witty lyrics, and the larger-than-life cast of gangsters, hustlers, and dolls with a handful “Saving Souls” from the mission admirably set the scene for a piece of brilliant entertainment. The musical numbers are all memorably endearing. 

Set in a time where fedoras, pinstripe suits, and spats are the norm, The “Guys” & “Dolls” and supporting characters in this entertaining production were introduced to the audience in pacey fashion and vibrant colour from stage side and the auditorium during the overture. 

Nathan Detroit – Steve Carley , the marriage shy gambling impresario is a savvy street-wise fella who with his gambling friends is continuing his infamous floating crap game. Sky Masterson – Jonathan Southall the suited and booted high rolling gambling ace. Together with the respective pairings Sarah Brown – Sara-Luisa Hicks in forthright manner led a literal Salvation Army-style band, determined to clean out the evil doers and show dancer Adelaide – Catherine Tabberner. His fiancé of 14 years, lamenting (especially well in "Adelaide's Lament,") that she will settle down, all delivered excellent performances though at times playing to the audience more than each other and the connection missed a little. Other effective performances came from Lt Brannigan – Andy Brown, Arvide Abernathy and no nonsense General Matilda B Cartwright – Anne Lane. Deserving of a special mention playing superbly a totally believable Drunk –Anne Richter. All supported by a highly enthusiastic and well-rehearsed group of Mission Band members, Hot Box Dancers and Dolls. 

The fast moving “Crap Shooters Dance” and “Luck be A Lady Tonight “scene in the sewer was performed with energy and strong vocal output from among others Benny Southstreet  – Nick Owen Jones, ,Rusty Charlie –Mark Longbottom, Big Julie – David Goode, and Harry the Horse – Glynn Diggett , just one piece reflecting the ever moving illegal dice game, bets made and lost, love found, lost, and found again providing the audience with a treat of laughter, great lyrics, spectacular dancing sequences, some wonderful vocal harmony, and the all-important happy ending.

An effective set and pleasing and colourful costumes all helped to give this production with an extraordinary buzz, and intensified moods of key scenes with the musicians woven right through them. Cleverly, it also made the audience notice the music more, beyond the glorious best-known numbers, such as “If I were a Bell” “Take Back Your Mink”, “ I’ve Never Been in Love Before”, “More I Cannot Wish You” and led by superbly characterised Nicely-Nicely – George Freeman, the show-stealer, “Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat”. An excellent evening’s entertainment for all.

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