.
    Guys and Dolls

Reviewer: Sarah Hudson - Herald Sun (Friday 18 August 2000)

It's politically incorrect, old-fashioned, sexist, seedy and sordid. And the audience loved every minute of it.

Guys and Dolls, a tale of showgirls, hoodlums, gamblers and gangsters is one of the masterpieces of musical theatre. And the Production Company's show does not disappoint. Director, Roger Hodgman has built on the superb score and lyrics to make a charming, racy and infectiously vibrant show.

Ageing showgirl, Adelaide (a pregnant Marina Prior) has been waiting 14 years for Nathan Detroit (Marty Fields) to marry her. At the same time, Nathan bets high-roller Sky Masterton (David Campbell) that he cannot woo the good Christian gal Sarah Brown (Amanda Harrison).

It is the interaction between this motley crew, based on the New York low-life characters found in the short stories of Damon Runyon (1884-1946) that makes the show such a classic.

Prior, disguised in a strawberry-blonde wig, gave a flawless performance - as always. Her bulge, though well disguised, was subtly put to good use and earned extra laughs.

Campbell makes a welcome return to his home country after hitting the big time in the Big Apple. His rich, velvety voice and dishy good looks thrilled many women in the audience.

And Fields has the perfect boyish charm to play the no-good but loveable Nathan Detroit.

The Frank Loesser score, played by the State Orchestra of Victoria, contains some of Broadway's best-loved ballads, such as Luck Be A Lady, A Bushel and a Peck, Fugue for Tinhorns, Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat and Sue Me.
But above all, Guys and Dolls confirms the quality of the Production Company's shows. In just 10 days and with a minimal budget, they have produced a fresh, seamless, memorable performance.