Gamblers, Gangsters and Burlesque – Oh My!

Welcome to 1930s NYC

What was the New York City underworld like in the 1930s? Gamblers, gangsters and burlesque strippers, among others, were the subject of Damon Runyon short stories that depicted that life. He gave his characters colorful names like Nathan Detroit and Harry the Horse. Speech patterns included a formal type of speech with a heavy New York accent interlaced with colorful slang. The highly stylized Guys & Dolls, which won the Best Musical Tony award in 1950, is based on stories and characters he created.

In MusicalFare’s stellar production directed by Chris Kelly, each facet of the show sparkles and meshes seamlessly with the others, from the rhythmic cadences of the dialogue, to the 1930s flash costumes, to the set that changes swiftly from street scene to nightclub to sewer, to the songs that follow the storyline, to the well-crafted delightful choreography that adds even more zip and zing to the proceedings.

Centered around Nathan Detroit’s floating crap game and Sergeant Sarah’s Save-the-Soul Mission, two love stories form the backbone of the musical – Nathan and the luscious Miss Adelaide, who have been engaged for 14 years, and the gambler Sky and Sarah, who just meet. Surrounded by a plethora of characters who are, well, right out of a Damon Runyan story, their comic and romantic trials and tribulations play out against the backdrop of the seedier side of depression era New York.

Memorable Characters Abound

Performances are outstanding. Each character feels distinct and very real. Where to begin? Maria Pedro’s Miss Adelaide is the epitome of the street-wise doll. Her droll expressions, mincing walk, high-pitched little girl voice that suddenly morphs into a baritone, and terrific comic timing are a pleasure to behold. Her counterpart John Kaczorowski is excellent playing the nervous Nathan, a guy desperately in need of cash, frantically trying to find a place for his crap game. He also has that great comic timing. Rather than having to read “great comic-timing” over and over, readers can just assume each actor mentioned possesses that skill, as do those not mentioned. 

Alex Anthony Garcia’s Sky Masterson has a calm, knowing manner, and radiates a sweet, sexy vibe that captures the heart, not just of the stern Sarah, but of certain people in the audience as well. Sarah Blewett has a gorgeous voice and appears to be having a great time letting down her hair, with all that phrase suggests. Ah, what a day in Havana with a handsome gambler can do for a straight-laced girl.

In supporting roles, Davida Evette Tolbert as Nicely Nicely Johnson, and Anthony Lazzaro as Benny Southstreet have a grand time as they assist in  moving the story along, and sing Guys & Dolls in Act One. Ms. Tolbert’s Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat is a rousing song and dance number near the end of Act Two. The scene-stealing Jimmy Janowski is a hoot as Big Jule, the gangster from Chicago who challenges Nathan to a crap game.

Take a Step Back into the Past

One could go on, but in the interest of brevity, suffice to say, the music, acting, singing, and dancing are of high caliber and great, good fun to watch. So, in addition to Chris Kelly, thank you to Music Director Theresa Quinn and her band;  Choreographer Kristy E. Cavanagh, whose high-stepping, high energy, synchronized dances are a joy to watch; Costume Designer Kari Drozd; Hair, Wig, and Makeup Designer Susan Drozd, and Set, Lighting and Sound Designer Chris Cavanagh; all the actors and everyone else involved. Applause, applause!

Give yourself a present and step back into the past to experience the rousing, joyful musical that is Guys & Dolls. It will leave you feeling happy and will put a spring in your step as you leave the theater.