Nathan Detroit (Justin Anthony Long) needs money to set up the biggest craps game in New York City, so he turns to fellow gambler Sky Masterson (James Byous). But Sky falls for religious missionary Sarah Brown (Elizabeth Eden). Adding to Nathan’s misfortunes, Adelaide (Margaret Spirito), his girlfriend of 14 years, demands marriage and kids. With the cops closing in on him and his gang of gamblers, the clock is ticking for Nathan to come up with the money and save the day.
Despite a delay due to a technical glitch with the lighting system at the beginning of Act II, the cast deliver an outstanding rendition of the beloved musical that has had a successful run around the world since its opening in 1950. Music Director Chris Wade leads a fantastic band that energizes the music numbers; the “Guys and Dolls (Reprise) at the end of Act II is an eye-catching display of dance and music. For the signature 11 o’clock number “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ The Boat”, the music sets the tone for a captivating performance by Nicely Nicely (Jalen Friday), showing off his singing and dancing skills.
The customs by Michael Mullen also contribute to the overall feel of the play, bright and dark colors for the guys, and fancy dresses for the dolls. The costumes capture the elegance of the 1920 and 1930s, years that defined a glitzy and glamorous time in fashion.
The chemistry among the actors playing the four main characters is paramount to the success of this musical, as their interactions are the main focus of the story. In that sense, the connection between Sky and Sarah, played by James Byous and Elizabeth Eden is evident from the beginning. Their meeting sets off a moral question and sparks a romance that will change the course of things. Throughout the play, Byous and Eden build up the emotions and conflicting differences between them to create a dynamic relationship that draws the audience into the story. Similarly, the relationship between Nathan and Adelaide, played by Justin Anthony Long and Margaret Spirito, creates conflict and unleashes a series of comedic situations depicting the faithful devotion of the female character and the usual hesitation of the male character. Spirito thrives on her role. Her voice and comedic skills create a delightful character; Her performance is magnetic and memorable.
Director Doug Kreeger revives this musical with a colorful display of costumes, lighting, and excellent acting. The pacing and the music make it a dynamic staging that brings back the hustle and bustle of the underworld during the prohibition era in NYC.
The incipient adventure of Altadena Music Theatre into musicals continues with another well-developed staging of a classic production, showing their commitment to bring successful and meaningful musicals to the local theatre scene. Led by its Founder and Artistic Director Sarah Azcarate, Director Oliver Azcarate, Music Director Chris Wade, and Choreographer Melissa Schade, Altadena Music Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to live musical theatre, arts advocacy, and developmental youth programs.
Guys and Dolls
Altadena Music Theatre at the Charles Farnsworth Amphitheater
568 E Mount Curve Ave
Altadena, CA 91001
October 10 – 20, 2024
Thursday – Sunday at 7:00 PM
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/altadena-music-theatre-50505137413
Based on the story and characters of Damon Runyon. Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser. Directed by Doug Kreeger. Choreographed by Nico O’Connor. Music direction by Chris Wade. Produced by Sarah Azcarate.
Cast: James Byous, Elizabeth Eden, Justin Anthony Long, Margaret Spirito, Jalen Friday, Robert Manion, Scott Van Tuyl, Brian Drummy, Cesario Perez, Will Kohlschrieber, Benita Scheckel, Zach Macdonald, Scarlet Sheppard, Abby Loucks, Kasey Hentz, Courtney Macmillan, Leonel Ayala, Sage Cabos, Andrew Pantazis, Jacob Rushing.
Creative team: Lighting and sound director JC Lara. Sound engineer Brian Celestino. Lighting designer Billie Oleyar. Costumer Michael Mullen. Set designer Andrew Hull. Prop master Darcy Hull. Hair and wing design Carter Thomas. Fight director Gabrielle Perrea. Intimacy coordinator Alexa Lowery.
Musicians: Keys, Bandmaster Chris Wade. Violin Erin Tompkins. Sax/Clarinet/Flute Jordan Guzman. Trombone Rebecca Buringrud. Bass Holly Barber. Keys Genie Cheng. Keys swing Bella Suot. Winds swing Daziel Rodriguez. Trombone swing Carlo Bonelli. Trumpet Andrew Rodman.
