Our 2014 summer production of 'Guys and Dolls' was reviewed on June 7th by our local NODA representative, Graham Liverton. Here is his review:
Director Clare Philbrock
Musical Director Mark Perry
Choreographer Roxanne Henry
The overture set the tone giving “Guys and Dolls” a great start, leading to much hustle and bustle in the opening scene; so much happening, you did not know where to look first.
Fugue for Tinhorns” was executed brilliantly by Nicely, Benny and Society Max. The harmony was great, not always easy as it can be a difficult song to perform.
Nicely Nicely gave a quality performance that was a pleasure to watch. His accent was very good indeed.
Sarah was very well acted and this together with a wonderful singing voice made this a great performance.
Sky was played with passion and his singing was superb, particularly in the duet with Sarah “I’ll know” They complimented each other well.
Nathan Detroit put his all into a superb performance, with vim and vigour and again an extremely good accent.
Miss Adelaide ,what can I say other than simply storming, every inch what she was supposed to be, it was not over the top which can so easily happen with this role, particularly in “Adelaide’s Lament”
“A Bushel and a Peck” performed by Adelaide and the Hot Box girls was a show stopper!
Truly good performances came from Big Jule/Joey Biltmore and Arvide Abernathy.Big Jule was played with suitable menace but also with the acknowledgement that he was not the brightest star in the firmament. Quite a skill to combine these two aspects of the character’s persona.
Arvide’s touching song with Sarah “More I Cannot Wish You” was sung with sensitivity.
The M.D Mark Perry is to be congratulated on a great sound and together with the Director Clare Philbrook, put on a show to be proud of.
The Choreography is quite demanding in this show and there were times when the movement appeared a bit wooden, but mainly it was well done, particularly by the ladies of the Hot Box.
A super evening of quality entertainment. Well done to all concerned.
Graham Liverton N.O.D.A rep Area 5
