“Guys and Dolls” is a musical fable of Broadway, and this production lives up to expectations.
The 1950 Tony Award-winning musical has affectionate portraits of showgirls, high rollers, two-bit gamblers and Salvation Army types mingling on the streets of what was then Sin City.
Marriott Theatre’s production is a fast-paced, endearing presentation of this absolutely perfect musical, packed with hit after hit by Frank Loesser, who wrote the words and music.
The cast could not be better. Brian Hissong, who resembles Marlon Brando, is a smooth, charming Sky Masterson—the high roller who falls in love with Sarah Brown from the Save-A Soul mission, played by Abby Mueller with solid comic skills and a voice full of sunshine. Rod Thomas is hilarious as the small-time gambler Nathan Detroit, who has been engaged for 14 years to night-club singer Miss Adelaide, played with perfection by the adorable Jessie Mueller. Her “Miss Adelaide’s Complaint” and “Take Back Your Mink” are show-stoppers.
The over-the-top “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” by George Andrew Wolff and Roger Mueller’s tender rendition of “More I Cannot Wish You” are also wonderful. And this production is a family affair: Abby and Jessie Mueller are Roger Mueller’s daughters.
The show is directed and choreographed by Matt Raftery, whose dance numbers defy the theater’s small square stage.
Take a chance on this musical—the dice are loaded in your favor.
“Guys and Dolls” runs Feb. 6 through March 27. For tickets, call the box office at 847-634-0200. Parking is plentiful and free.
