Presented by The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of SA
Reviewed 1 Oct 2015
Many people when asked their favourite musical will reply, without hesitation, Guys and Dolls. It is definitely well known and well loved, which means lots of expectations to live up to and this production has ticked the boxes well. There is no doubt the audience left happy!
A strong production team coupled with a well-chosen cast is a good start. That is exactly what we have here. Karen Sheldon has a proven record as a director and a long association with this musical, ably assisted by Anne Doherty, and she did a great job. Musical Director Martin Cheney has worked with Sheldon before and has been around musicals for a long time, this was a natural progression and he did a fine job. The choreography was delightful, which is usually the case when Kerry Hauber is in charge.
Photo: Timeless Event Photography
Jason Bensen was the quintessential Sky and sang the well-known songs as beautifully as they have ever been sung and Sophia Bubner was a sweet and delightful Sister Sarah with a voice to match. That didn’t mean she couldn’t belt out If I Were A Bell and Marry The Man Today as well as blending well with Bensen in I’ve Never Been In Love Before. Sarah’s Grandfather, Arvide was played by Ian Brown who also did justice to More I Cannot Wish You – a sympathetic grandfather.
Brendan Cooney was everyone’s idea of Nathan Detroit and paired extremely well with Jeri Williams, so good as Adelaide the long-suffering fiancé. Their version of Sue Me was great and Williams delivered on Adelaide’s Lament. The Hot Box songs, A Bushel And A Peck and Take Back Your Mink were well handled, but I personally would have expected chorus girls to show a little more flesh!
Photo: Tieless Event Photography
The gamblers were a lot of fun, from the Fugue For Tinhorns sung by Nicholas Bishop, Raymond Cullen and Nathan Quadrio, and The Oldest Established with Nathan and the other gamblers. Bishop as Nicely Nicely does a top job of Sit Down Your Rocking The Boat with the assistance of the whole ensemble making it the highlight of the show, as it should be.
The other highlight was the Crapshooters Ballet coupled with Luck Be A Lady: choreography was tight and the harmonies were great. Do yourself a favour and have an enjoyable night at the theatre with these Guys and Dolls.
Reviewed by Fran Edwards
Twitter: @franeds
Venue: The Arts Theatre Angas Street, Adelaide
Season: 1 Oct – 10 October
Duration: 2hr 50mins
Tickets: Adult $38, Conc $33, Child $25, Family $105, Member & Group $30.
Bookings: hhttp://www.gandssa.com.au/
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