Through October 4, 2009
Reviewed by Philip Hitchcock
There's a "can't go wrong" quality about Guys and Dolls, the time honored musical by Frank Loesser, Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. Set in New York in the mid 20th century, the plot revolves around Nathan Detroit, a con man and gambler who organizes the longest running, floating crap game in the city. To raise funds, he bets fellow gambler and leading man Sky Masterson that he can't date the next doll he sees. That particular doll, Detroit makes sure, is Sarah Brown, a pure at heart Salvation Army reformer. Meanwhile Detroit does his best to avoid the matrimonial clutches of his (literally) lovesick fiancee, Miss Adelaide. It's a great set up for hilarious confusion and misunderstandings, true love and a very funny evening of musical comedy.
Sky Masterson and Sarah Brown are played by Edward Watts and Kate Fisher, who demonstrate real chemistry on stage. They are both powerful singers and comedians, especially Fisher whose drunken contortions during "Havana" reminded me of a young Lucille Ball. The two have their most intimate moment during "I've Never Been in Love Before," and it's a joy to watch their romance unfold.
David Foley Jr. is charming and loveable as the con man with a heart of gold in the role of Nathan Detroit, a part that earned Nathan Lane a Tony. His fiancee, Miss Adelaide, played with zeal by Julie Cardia, manages to provoke laughter everytime she appears on stage. She's funniest as she sniffles and sneezes her way through "Miss Adelaide's Lament" and later opposite Kate Fisher when the two perform "Marry the Man Today," a song that offers dubious advice on relationships and husband hunting.
In a showstopping number, Edward Juvier in the role of Nicely-Nicley Johnson is over the couch with his rendition of "Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat!" Other notables among the ensemble include Ben Nordstrom doing a super swell gangster lean, Nathan Garland as Hot Horse Herbie, and Heshel Sparber as Big Jule.
Guys and Dolls is an uncomplicated, romantic comedy that is never long out of the musical theatre revival repertoire. Offering wholesome entertainment and featuring a great score with familiar favorites like "Luck be a Lady,"... it really "can't go wrong."
Stages production of Guys and Dolls continues at the Robert Reim Theatre through October 4. For more information call 314-821-2407.
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