Guys and Dolls, a classic gangster musical, is a masterpiece in the hands of director-choreographer Donna Feore at the Stratford Festival. This production, a close second to the director's previous work, Something Rotten!, showcases Feore's exceptional talent and her ability to breathe new life into timeless stories. The musical, with its vibrant energy and precise execution, is a testament to Feore's skill and the Stratford Festival's commitment to excellence.
What makes this production particularly fascinating is the way Feore has tweaked the original 1950s musical to make it more engaging and relevant to modern audiences. The story, set in a New York divided along moral lines, follows a group of gamblers and a pious missionary, creating a dynamic and entertaining narrative. The twist in the tale, where the pious missionary is the girl of the gambler's choice, adds a layer of complexity and humor that is both refreshing and unexpected.
In my opinion, the strength of this production lies in its ability to balance the classic elements of the musical with modern touches. The book, by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, shows its age in spots, but the musical's punchlines and scenes clip by like reels in a slot machine, making it an enduring piece of theatre. Frank Loesser's songs, while not advancing the plot significantly, are so much fun that it hardly matters. The choreography, by Feore, is a highlight, with the ensemble's boundless energy and precise movements creating a spectacle that is both entertaining and visually stunning.
One thing that immediately stands out is the exceptional casting. Dan Chameroy as Sky Masterson is the quintessential suave and slick character, sung to near-perfection by Olivia Sinclair-Brisbane. Jennifer Rider-Shaw, a powerhouse as Adelaide, the role's belted anthems right at home in her full-chested voice, is a welcome addition to the production. Mark Uhre, too, is terrific as the antsy Detroit, his New York accent highlighting the cartoonish tilt that makes Guys and Dolls such an enduring piece of theatre.
What many people don't realize is that the production's technical aspects are equally impressive. The set, by Michael Gianfrancesco, is stylish and immersive, while the costumes, by Dana Osborne, are snazzy and nostalgic. The lighting, by Bonnie Beecher, adds to the overall atmosphere, creating a vibrant and engaging environment for the audience.
If you take a step back and think about it, the fact that the production is executed so flawlessly that it feels like a military exercise is a testament to Feore's skill and the Stratford Festival's commitment to excellence. The precision and timing of the cast's turns, their harmonies, and dialogue are truly remarkable. It's not often that a stage show is executed so flawlessly that it feels as much like a military exercise as it does a piece of consumer entertainment.
In conclusion, Guys and Dolls is a masterpiece of a gangster musical, brought to life by the exceptional talent of Donna Feore and the Stratford Festival. The production's ability to balance the classic elements of the musical with modern touches, its exceptional casting, and its flawless execution make it a must-see for anyone who loves theatre. Personally, I think this production is a testament to the power of artistic vision and the ability to create something truly special.
