The color, the crooning and the character of 1940s Time Square bursts on stage with the road show of “Guys and Dolls,” playing at Centennial Hall through Sunday.
The musical is a joyful romp through Damon Runyon’s tales, and this road show almost lived up to its potential.
Here’s a rundown of what worked. And what didn’t:
The music, the words
Really, who would dare fault the wonderful Frank Loesser score? It is infectious — from the first act’s “Fugue for Tinhorns” (“I’ve got the horse right here, his name is Paul Revere …”) to the second acts rollicking “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” And the play has a mix of formal grammar and gangster slang, upping the humor of the piece.
The cast
People are also reading…
This non-Equity cast embraced the music and the spirit of the play, and there were some beautiful voices. Matthew J. Taylor’s Sky Masterson, the primo gambler who bets he can lure the missionary Sarah Brown to Havana for dinner, had just the right swagger and a thrilling voice.
Kayleen Seidl’s voice came across as a bit shrill in the first act, but by the second she settled into the role of Sarah, and her voice followed.
The play has one of musical theater’s tastiest couples, Nathan Detroit and Adelaide, the gambler and the showgirl who have been engaged for some 14 years. Christopher Swan and Lauren Weinberg gave them shape. They provided the comedic highlights and gave full power to the songs.
But what was missing from this cast was chemistry. We didn’t see it with Nathan and Adelaide, or with Sarah and Sky. Without the spark of chemistry, it’s hard to believe the love stories at the heart of the play.
The oomph
The first act dragged. The songs were belted out, and lines delivered with timing, but there was a lack of energy, making this 2 hour and 45 minute play seem even longer at times.
But by the shorter second act, it all picked up — which means the audience left on a much higher note than when intermission started.
The costumes
Zoot suits in glorious, cartoonish colors, and costumes that spoke to the characters added zest and wit to the production. Michael Bottari and Ronald Case get credit for the creations.
And in the end …
The Tuesday performance attended was opening night — perhaps the energy was low after being on the road. And maybe the chemistry will add some sizzle after a few shows at Centennial behind the cast. Let’s hope so — without those two, “Guys and Dolls” doesn’t live up to its potential.
