Music Theater Works presents GUYS AND DOLLS.
It’s New York in the 1950s. Times Square is bursting with life! People are pursuing their passions… showbiz, mission work and craps. Nathan needs $1000 to host his illegal craps game. Although he’s broke, the guys want to gamble. Meanwhile, both the police and his fiancee are turning up the heat. Nathan coerces Sky Masterson into a bet that he can’t take a certain doll on a date. As Sky tries to woo straitlaced Sarah Brown, her focus is on saving souls and the mission from closing.
The creative team, Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows (book) and Frank Loesser (music and lyrics) debuted GUYS AND DOLLS on Broadway in 1950 winning a Tony for best musical. Later, it was immortalized into a movie starring Frank Sinatra. It is a traditional guy-meets-doll love story times two. The plot rolls out with an uncomplicated ease. The show is less about the book and more about the music. Loesser produced a score with multiple memorable ballads and catchy tunes.
The audience is swept up in the fun and music immediately with Cary Lovett (Nicely-Nicely), David Geinosky (Benny), and Miguel Long’s (Rusty) playful rendition of “Fugue for Tinhorns.” Horse betting never sounded so good! Under the music direction of Linda Madonia and orchestra conducted by Kevin Disch, this large ensemble creates beautiful surround-sound harmonies. With dynamic choreography by Clayton Cross, the show dazzles with its big musical numbers. “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat”, led by a sweetly earnest Lovett, is a showstopper. The charismatic Jeffrey Charles (Sky) puts it all on the line in “Luck Be a Lady Tonight.” And the irrepressible Kristin Brintnall (Adelaide) and her Hot Box Girls slay with a sassy “Take Back Your Mink.”
Brintnall returns with spunk in a duet with Callan Roberts (Nathan). As Roberts croons “Sue Me,” she retorts with hilarity. Brintnall continually showcases her comedic timing especially in her standout number, “Adelaide’s Lament.” In the romantic duets “I’ll Know” and “I’ve Never Been in Love Before”, Cecilia Iole (Sarah) and Charles prove opposites attract. Their chemistry is apparent. Iole also belts out a joyous “If I were a Bell” to an adoring Charles. The score is wonderful! And the ensemble does it up right! Prepare to leave the theatre humming… for days following the performance.
Director Sasha Gerritson masterfully orchestrates this entertaining extravaganza. Gerritson, with fabulous costumes by Bob Kuhn, fills the stage in colorful fun! It is the perfect time to take a trip back to NYC in the 1950s. Luck changes with a roll of the dice. Love is a sneeze or a dulce de leche away! And the music is a toe-tapping, shoulder-swaying and mouth-grinning delight. Get to Skokie to enjoy the GUYS AND DOLLS. It’s a sure bet for a good time!
Running Time: Two hours and forty minutes includes an intermission
At North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd
Music and lyrics by Frank Lesser
Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows
Directed by Sasha Gerritson
Choreography by Clayton Cross
Music direction by Linda Madonia
Performances are:
Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30pm
Wednesdays and Sundays at 2pm
Thru March 30
For more information or tickets
Production photos by Brett Beiner
For more Chicago theatre information and reviews, please visit Theatre in Chicago