Review of Guys and Dolls by Perth Amateur Operatic Society at Perth Theatre

Apr 12 2011 Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

THIS Damon Runyan inspired piece is a timeless classic in musical comedy.

It has everything – a Frank Loesser score that is peppered with recognisable and much-loved numbers, a bunch of delightful reprobate gamblers and chancers and unlikely love interests that triumph over adversity.

It is a hybrid of Runyon yarns and is, quite deservedly, one of the most favoured musicals of all time.

This is Perth Operatic’s third visitation to the hustle and bustle of New York streets (and sewers!) and the nefarious goings-on of its illegal gambling culture.

And this could be their best yet! I say “could”, because there was evidence of first night nerves and unfamiliarity of scene changes (yes, that old potato!). But, as the run continues and confidence grows, this will be overcome and the slickness of a well-oiled machine is sure to kick in.

Nathan Detroit is a ne’er-do-well organiser of crap games (that’s rolling dice to you and me), constantly ducking and diving to avoid the law in the shape of Lt Brannigan. Nathan must also contend with his fiancée of 14 years, Miss Adelaide, the Hot Box dancer, who desperately needs to get married and have five children, for that is what she’s told her mum!

But Nathan’s priority is to find the money to pay for a venue for the crap game and he bets high-roller Sky Masterson that he couldn’t take the passing Save-A-Soul Mission girl with him on his impending journey to Havana.

True love, of course, wins through on both counts for the inevitable “Happy Ending.”

Curtain up is impressive. Robin Peoples’ designs give an optical illusion of great depth and well done to the lighting team – a very high standard throughout the show.

Top sound from musical director Allan Kelman’s band as it sets the Broadway scene. I am sure there was some extra chorus work fitted in there as the New Yorkers mingled which is as it should be with some special choral talents that do not deserve to be hidden under a bushel (or a peck, for that matter)!

Then just to cement the excellent beginning, on comes Andy McDonald. An excellent performance throughout with a voice to savour. As Nicely-Nicely Johnson, it is his lot to open the vocal proceedings and he set the highest of standards. But these standards were well matched by, firstly, Fiona McCabe as Sarah, the Mission girl, Ian Cowmeadow as Sky and John Cowmeadow as Nathan.

Then, just when we thought they must have run out of principal material, on steps Holly Conlon as Miss Adelaide.

This production, of course, is essentially a team performance, but Holly certainly brings that extra gloss. With blonde perm, high-pitched “New Yoik” patois, she was the complete innocent abroad surrounded by a world of doubtful characters. Superb singing and comic timing, this performance is unlikely to be bettered in the amateur world.

She led a superb line-up of Hot Box girls (good movement here courtesy of choreographer/director Kaye Finlay), and Lauren Baillie, Rachel Bernard, Sarah Bernard, Helen MacKinnon, Susan McGeorge, Lisa McManamon, Kirrilee Read and Heather Yellowley performed the Take Back Your Mink “strip” with great gusto. Unfortunately, there’s no room for a deserved encore as they would run out of clothes!

And we still had Rockin the Boat to come. Cue the reappearance of Andy McDonald for his big moment as Nicely-Nicely leading his gambling cohorts on the “boat to heaven”. He and they did not disappoint.

Sandwiched in between comes probably the most underrated song in the whole show – More I Cannot Wish You is Arvide Abernathy’s plea to his grand-daughter Sarah to “follow her heart” as she wrestles with her conscience and love for Sky.

Luckily, this piece of pathos was in the very capable hands of Alistair Paterson, who is more than capable of wringing every emotion out of a song.

The costumes are hugely colourful, although the gamblers look as if they had raided Markies’ nightwear department.

Yes, it was a tentative start, but if you are looking for a great night’s entertainment then Perth Operatic’s Guys and Dolls will do nicely, nicely.

The production continues at Perth Theatre until this Saturday, April 16.