Review: MUSE’s Guys and Dolls — Sit Down You’re Rocking the Theatre!
MUSE makes a wager on a classic musical and wins big.
Image credit: MUSE
For over 70 years, Guys and Dolls has set the standard for romantic musical comedies, with its cast of oddballs and musical numbers that hark back to old Broadway. You’d be forgiven for thinking that the Sydney University Musical Theatre Ensemble (MUSE) had a challenge on their hands in tackling this revered musical. But with Lady Luck and a talented cast and crew on their side, MUSE hit the jackpot with a flamboyant, funny and impressive production.
Headed by producer Gayathri Kathiravellupillai and director William Rogut (in his directorial debut), the production team put on a joyous show that remained faithful to the original’s quick wit. From the opening scenes in Prohibition-era New York City, the stage buzzed and fizzed with movement, with gangsters and gamblers being yanked in every direction. Along with the set design and costuming, Sophie Highmore’s choreography effectively transports the audience as far away as sultry, rum-drunk Havana, using every inch of the small space smartly.
The main actors make the most of the classic material. Claudia Redolfi is the delightfully sneezy showgirl, Miss Adelaide, with a very fun performance that spans from glamorous to ditzy. Redolfi excels in the hypochondriac’s ode ‘Adelaide’s Lament,’ and Adelaide’s showgirl acts allow Redolfi to show off her rich and brassy tone. Oscar Seifried is in his element as leading man Nathan Detroit, flexing studied comic timing in an exasperated, yet always expressive and engaging, performance.
Belinda Thomas is a standout as Sergeant Sarah Brown. Thomas’ vocals breathtakingly soar over the notes, especially in more tender moments where her operatic training shines. She captures Sarah’s journey well, starting off as serious and straightlaced and gradually opening her heart to love. Meanwhile, Tavis Bancroft is effortlessly charming as bad-boy gambler Sky Masterson, who makes a major bet with Nathan. Bancroft commands each scene he’s in and plays Masterson with a surprising depth of feeling, and his chemistry with Thomas, such as in the duet ‘I’ve Never Been in Love Before,’ elevates the show to new heights.
Major credit must be given to music director Kevin Wang and the orchestra, who enliven the snazzy score and navigated the huge musical numbers with pizazz. It’s a difficult score at times, but they display great stamina in keeping up with its rhythmic twists and turns.
The rest of the cast put in a strong performance as well — indeed, the only thing this reviewer wishes is that they’d given more of what was already there, playing it bigger and bolder. Louis Vincinguerra is stellar as Nicely-Nicely Johnson, nailing the tough accent throughout and stealing the show in one of its biggest numbers — ‘Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat.’ Other memorable performances include Jesse Donaldson Jarret as the cheeky Benny Southstreet; John Vrionis as an enjoyably stern, almost Alan Rickman-esque Lt. Brannigan, Graham Stoney as the imposing Big Jule, and the canary yellow and hot pink visions of Miss Adelaide’s Hot Box dancers.
With Guys and Dolls, MUSE makes a wager on a classic musical and wins big. The show saw a number of MUSE debuts in the cast, crew and orchestra, which should be particularly commended. The result is a buzzy, brassy, and boisterous romp that’s a cracker of a time for any gambler, gangster, or good time Charlie, you won’t wanna miss it.
Guys and Dolls plays at the ARA Darling Quarter Theatre until October 15th. Tickets available here.