REVIEW: Stunning "Guys and Dolls" at Old Globe

With memorable music and impeccable timing, luck is your lady at the Old Globe's production of Guys and Dolls. Set in New York during the 1950s, Guys and Dolls follows an underground gambling ring led by the slick Nathan Detroit (played by the Old Globe's annual Grinch, J. Bernard Calloway). With the heat on, Nathan is determined to find a safe space to host his illegal craps game. In need of cash to secure a spot, Nathan bets local gambling legend Sky Masterson (the suave Terence Archie) that he can't take clean-cut soul-saver Sarah Brown (Old Globe veteran Audrey Cardwell) on an overnight date to Havana.

From the beginning, the Old Globe's Guys and Dolls is an impressive production that has the audience laughing out loud in seconds. Directed by Josh Rhodes, the show features a stunning array of musical numbers, lovable characters, and heart. Chock full of memorable songs––whether it's the silly "A Bushel and a Peck," the earnest "I've Never Been in Love Before," or the brusque "Sue Me"––Rhodes handles the classic material with skillful hands.

Josh Rhodes is also the show's choreographer, taking his dancers through athletic, syncopated steps throughout the show, though most notably in the jaw-dropping "Crapshooter's Dance." Each dance number by Rhodes features perfectly-rehearsed, flawless dancers that jeté and pirouette across the stage.

One comedic cast standout is Veronica J. Keuhn as the shrill, yet lovable, Miss Adelaide––Nathan Detroit's fiancée of 14 years. With her high-pitched squeal and a stubborn set of her jaw, Adelaide is determined to marry Nathan––even if she has to drag him to the alter. Todd Buonopane also amazes as gambler Nicely-Nicely Johnson, who steals the show in the second act by leading the cast in "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat."

The story itself is a bit of a boy's club; the men gamble and commiserate over needy "dolls" throughout. Indeed, much of the action is shown from the point of view of the guys, which includes some cringe-worthy language. But don't count the women out just yet––they might be pulling all the strings after all.

Guys and Dolls takes a walk through the 1950s by using bright sets (designed by Lee Savage) and deft lighting (Paul Miller). Brian C. Hemesath's fitted dresses and tailored suits bring '50s style to the stage. Sound design for the show is produced by Kevin Kennedy, with hair and makeup designed by Michelle Hart.

The original Guys and Dolls premiered on Broadway in 1950, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser. While the book was written by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, Guys and Dolls is actually based on the short stories "The Idyll of Miss Sarah Brown" and "Blood Pressure" by Damon Runyon. The original production won five Tony Awards.

Guys and Dolls runs on the Old Globe's Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage until August 13th. Tickets are $40 and up, and they can be purchased on the Old Globe's website. For a sneak preview of Guys and Dolls, check out the Old Globe's video down below.

For Related Articles Try:

Globe-Commissioned Ken Ludwig's Robin Hood

Free Monday Night Shakespeare Film Screenings

The Globe Presents Guys and Dolls