GUYS AND DOLLS till 6 January (Birmingham) Tour till 23 June 2007
GUYS AND DOLLS; Based on a story and characters of Damon Runyon – Music and Lyrics, Frank Loesser, Book, Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows.
Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham.
Runs. 2h 40m, one interval, till 6 January 2007 (Birmingham) Tour till 23 June - details below.
Information: www.guysanddollsthemusical.com
Review: Rod Dungate, 13 December 2006.
Feel better – see this; fresh as ever.
You’ll feel all the better for seeing this show, whether it’s to calm you from the pre-Christmas stress or to liven you up after the Christmas excesses. This Damon Runyon style story of New York sinners and saviours is feel-good and it makes you feel just that; your feet will be tapping despite your best intentions – though perhaps this is your intentions . . .
Frank Loesser’s music and songs are as fresh as ever, and nothing makes up for seeing them actually in context. Take the second half LUCK BE A LADY for instance. First it comes up as a dance number – terrific, strong dancing from all the crapshooters – then the dialogue, then the song itself. Well worth waiting for in Nigel Harman’s performance (Sky Masterson); he’s passionate, grabs our attention and doesn’t let us go and hits his high notes with comfort and ease.
Harman is totally engaging throughout and a perfect partner for Lisa Stokke (Sarah Brown). They sing beautifully together. The big Havana number is exciting and Stokke employs a gentle but effective comedic skill in IF I WERE A BELL. The couple’s first half closer – I’VE NEVER BEEN IN LOVE BEFORE – will break your heart.
Bonnie Langford and Joe McGann are the other pair of lovers (Miss Adelaide and Nathan Detroit.) McGann easefully drives the show along, charmingly disreputable; Langford skilfully disarms us with her comedy – ADELAID’S LAMENT – delicious. A great performer.
And SIT DOWN YOU’RE ROCKIN’ THE BOAT? The company launch into it with great gusto with Christian Patterson (Nicely Nicely) coming into his own – the number’s lost nothing over the years. Terrific work from the company and stylish choreography from Rob Ashford/ Chris Bailey.
Nicely Nicely Johnson: Christian Patterson.
Benny Southstreet: Stephen Webb.
Rusty Charlie: Alex Gaumond.
Sarah Brown: Lisa Stokke.
Arvide Abernathy: David Delve.
Agatha: Sally Whitehead.
Calvin/ The Greek/ MC: Neil Clench.
Martha: Jenni Bowden.
Lt Brannigan: Shaun Hennessy.
Nathan Detroit: Joe McGann.
Harry the Horse: John Stacey.
Angie the Ox: Toussaint Meghie.
Society Max: Joey Biltmore: Stuart Reid.
Brandy Bottle Bates: Andrew Bowness.
Scranton Slim: Jamie Wilkin.
Liverlips Louie/ Havana Boy: Joshua Horner.
Miss Adelaide: Bonnie Langford.
Sky Masterson: Nigel Harman.
Hot Box Girl – Dram Street Rose/ Assistant Dance Captain: Sarah O'Cleby.
Hot Box Girl – Mimi Marlo: Sheryl Lafferty.
Hot Box Girl – Missouri Martin: Zoe Rainey.
Hot Box Girl – Florentine Fayette/ Havana Girl: Celia Mei Rubin.
Hot Box Girl – Cutie Singleton: Vicki Lee Taylor.
Hot Box Girl – Lily Dorval: Jennifer Owen.
General Cartwright: Alwyne Taylor.
Big Jule: Miltos Yerolemou.
Swing/ Dance Captain: Chris Hornby.
Swing: Philip Marriott.
Original Director: Michael Grandage.
Director: Jamie Lloyd.
Designer: Christopher Oram.
Lighting: Howard Harrison.
Sound: Terry Jardine, Chris Full
Orchestrations: Doug Besterman, Larry Blank.
Original Choreographer: Rob Ashford.
Musical Supervisor: Jae Alexander.
Choreographer: Chris Bailey.
Dance Arrangements: David Chase.
Wigs/Hai: Richard Mawbey.
Associated designer: Morgan Large
Associate lighting: James Whiteside.
Resident director: Christian Durham
2006-12-14 22:07:58