Guys and Dolls

HMDS’ production of the ever-popular musical Guys and Dolls by Frank Loesser, Jo Swirling and Abe Burrows, based on the stories of Damon Runyon, was very entertaining. Particularly well cast, the production team brought their shared vision of the piece together well.

The comical storyline features two gamblers, Sky Masterson (Richard Mills) and Nathan Detroit (Mark Leszczynski), wanting to find a venue to host Nathan’s Craps game, that has bought many high rollers to town. Nathan bets Sky for the money that he needs for a venue, that he can’t get a date with a local Missionary girl, Sarah Brown (Bedelia Lowrencev). Along with Nathan’s long, long term fiancé Miss Adelaide (Nicole Butler), the four characters lead the show, giving commendable performances.

The Red Gum Theatre has its scenic challenges, but a painted back drop of New York was prominent throughout most scenes, with additional set pieces suggesting the scene changes well. Some work on bringing these pieces on and off quickly would help with the pace of the show, however, as blackouts took way to long at the matinee I saw.

The experience of the production team of John Brown, Susan Brown, M Seedsman and Wendy Hudson shone through. The blocking in certain scenes was terrific and John has delivered great performances from not only the leads but a well-utilised ensemble that sounded terrific in the great musical numbers. Susan’s well rehearsed orchestra gave brilliant full sound.

Some numbers stood out. “A Bushel and a Peck” by Adelaide and her Hot Box Dancers was highly entertaining and sung terrifically. “I’ll Know”, the duet between Sky and Sarah featured some lovely harmonies by Mills and Lowrencev, although their kiss seemed like it came from nowhere instead of the culmination of romantic tension throughout. The more well-known number “Luck Be a Lady” was delivered superbly by Mills and the talented men’s chorus, including brothers Jeremy, Harrison and Marlon Lowrencev, who all played supporting roles. Mills really came into his own in this number - his smooth baritone voice shone. The chemistry between Leszczynski and Butler as Detroit and Adelaide brought loads of comical moments, their long struggling relationship was very believable, finally playing out in the number “Sue Me”.

M Seedsman’s choreography looked amazing and fit the style of the show perfectly, adjusted well to the varied abilities of the cast, using the trained dancers well, with the chorus given simpler moves which they all handled well and comfortably. Special mentions must go to Kate Squires, Lauren Carter, Rebecca Anderson and Rebecca Robb as the Hot Box Dancers, who really brought their scenes alive with their dancing but with their enthusiasm and animation.

The costume team, have done a fantastic job bringing the world of the Depression Era of the 1930’s to life. The men’s suits looked well fitted and spot on for the period. The Hot Box Dancers’ costumes were stunning and helped the whole feel of their numbers.

HMDS, have produced a real treat for their audiences, which is a credit to the whole cast and crew.

James Russell