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Guys And Dolls
Editorial ReviewEditorial Review
26 March - 10 AugustPrincess Theatre
163 Spring Street
Melbourne
Based Damon Runyon's short story The Idyll of Miss Sarah Brown, Guys and Dolls first opened on Broadway in 1950, hitting the big screen five years later with Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra and Jean Simmons. It's an all-singing, all-dancing tale of a high rolling gambler, Nathan Detroit, (played by Garry McDonald) who makes a bet that the next gal encountered by his crap-playing pal Sky Masterson (Ian Stenlake), won't fall in love with his friend.
If you've watched a whole lot of old Hollywood flicks, you'll think that all girls are just waiting to be swept off their feet by the next strapping fella, but some girls don't have time for romance. Some lasses march to the tune of the Salvation Army Band and devote their lives to saving misguided souls. Unfortunately for Sky, the first girl he meets is Sarah Brown (Lisa McCune), a prim young lass, who is only interested in the Save a Soul Mission.
Meanwhile Nathan's fiancé Miss Adelaide (Marina Prior), a singer/dancer at the Hot Box Club, has been trying to pin Nathan down for years (14 in fact) while Nicely Nicely (Shane Jacobson, aka Kenny) has to find Nathan a place to play crap. And then in walks Big Jule (Magda Szubanski), a gangster from Chicago, who has to win at all costs.
Now that's a whole lot to sing and dance about. Wonderful Broadway tunes like Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat, Adelaide's Lament, Take Back Your Mink, I've Never Been in Love Before and Luck Be a Lady are worth their weight in swinging '50s musical gold.
It's a slick production - combining the magic of the era that it was born in, with the style of the noughties. With a new, all-star Australian cast, this delightful show has danced its way straight from London's West End, so dress up and have a toe-tappin' night on the town with Lady Luck.
For more information click here.
Judith Hatton
Tell us what you think
15 comments
Gloria: Loved the show. Marina Prior as we've never seen her before - magical talent.Everyone in the show was special and brilliant and who was Nicely Nicely's sidekick played by? Loved him, but missed the name. (22 July 2008)
Lynda: Absolutely great show! I never realised that some of our favourite actors from popular TV shows, have such incredible talent in so many other areas too e.g. great singing voices and dance skills. A truly memorable, happy, toe-tapping occasion. (16 June 2008)
helen: absolutely fantastic. i went not knowing story line. singing and dancing supurb.would recommend to everyone young and old. (12 June 2008)
Sally: This is fantastic night out! (08 June 2008)
Sally: This is fantastic night out! (08 June 2008)
Harriet: Guys and Dolls was absolutely fan-bloody-tastic. I loved all the dancing and singing, it was just amazing. Lisa McCune was brilliant, as was Ian Stenlake. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up. (14 May 2008)
Bianca: I absolutely loved the whole thing the cast were amazing and i came away feeling truly happy and inspired! I love the arts and especially musicals and Marina Prior was soo amazing i loved it! The dance numbers were soo fantastic too! I definately recomend it!! (23 April 2008)
Jess: Great tunes. I particularly enjoyed the dance routines - the dance ensemble was brilliant. (12 April 2008)
Simon: Another outstanding Oz production. Yes, Marina Prior was truly gorgeous and very, very talented. (09 April 2008)
Mike: How cleverly the Princess management have matched the feel of the theatre to the prohibition period. The peeling paint in the stairwells and the tatty threadbare carpets together with the creaky handrails, all somewhat reminiscent of a 1950's underground wash-room, is very convincing. The stage is often very dark and frequently filled with uncolourful action and some indifferent singing. Should have been left in the archives. (08 April 2008)
Alice: Fantastic! Marina Prior was outstanding as was Shane Jacobson and Ian Stenlake. Highly recommended. (06 April 2008)
toriwannabe: I thoroughly enjoyed this show. Marina Prior suprised me with her strong theatre voice and comedic skills. Gary McDonald was very likeable. My fave scene was the dancing in the Havana bar. (05 April 2008)
Sue: World class production!! We loved every moment from start to curtain call. Lisa McCune is fabulous, Marina Prior a star and Gary McDonald, what a talent!! For me though, the ensemble cast were the show stealers, the dance numbers were slick and spectacular, absolutely first class. If you love the movie you will be toe tapping to every wonderful moment of this superb production. BRAVO (05 April 2008)
David & Narelle: Guys and Dolls is a return to the classic Broadway Musical after the slick Lion King, Phantom, Priscilla et al. We absolutely loved it! Melbourne's own, Marina Prior is fantastic. the lady next to us wondered if it was really her in "that scene"? Garry McDonald is a national treasure and I'm glad Lisa McCune and Ian Stenlake made it off the Rocking Sea Patrol Boat to star. A special mention to Shane "Kenny" Jacobson who does a fantastic job and steals the show with the crowd favourite, Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat. We want to go again! (04 April 2008)
Nathan Detroit: This thing rocks! (02 April 2008)
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