Metro Theatre

Guys and Dolls

Date 26 March - 23 April  Venue Metro Theatre

Reviewer Jane Penistan

Book by Jo Swerling, Abe Burrows
Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser

Director Mark Carter Musical Director Martin Danyluk Choreographer Ken Overbey Sets Lance Cardinal Costumes Cindy Neilson Lighting Brent Rossington Stage Manager Gail Folka

Those of us old enough enjoyed journalist Damon Runyon's short stories. These sketches were caricatures of the infamous prohibition days in America and the low life style of the 1930's. When Guys and Dolls hit musical theatre after the Second World War became an instant success. There on colourful Broadway were all those fantastic, larger-than-life vernacular chanting caricatures, singing and dancing their pithy repartee before our eyes. And they have continued to do so to a greater or lesser degree ever since.

The large cast, the well-known music and story of Guys and Dolls presented a huge challenge to Mark Carter, the director of this production. He was fortunate to be supported by a music director of Martin Danyluk's capability and the expertise of the choreographer, Ken Overbey. The live orchestra accompanying the evening's presentation was a delight. The choreography of the chorus was stylish and in keeping with the era of the piece, though the corps dancers were not as coordinated as they might have been. The lead dancers were competent and athletic. The chorus sang with gusto.

This is a multi-scened show. The sets were all changed with a smoothness and speed that kept the pace of the production uninterrupted. The different venues had atmosphere, colour and immense variety. The sleazy Havana club sizzled in the heat, the interior of the Save-a-Soul Mission was crowded and bare, but the exterior of the Mission might have been a bit more shabby and poverty stricken.

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