By Andie Anderson
Revisiting old classics can be a tough challenge, often wrought with an oversaturation of influence that ends up bogging down the finished product into a mere recreation. However, I’d argue that this challenging venture has been accomplished by the creative minds at Drury Lane Theatre in their current production of “Guys and Dolls”.
With the talent of Tony-nominated director and choreographer Dan Knechtges, this production provides a reinvigorating excitement to the familiar story through his fresh and energetic contributions. Ripe with the perfect balance of earnestness and light-hearted joy, Drury Lane has truly polished an old gem in ways that will make this show a worthy watch for any audience member to enjoy.
The show opens by welcoming us directly into the bustling streets of New York City, and acts as an introduction to the highly kinetic and riveting atmosphere of the story through Knechteges’ dynamic choreography.
We begin by meeting a group of gamblers, including Nicely-Nicely Johnson and Benny Southstreet, arguing over their bets on a big upcoming horse race. Members of their city’s Save-A-Soul Mission pass by, introducing us to the idyll Miss Sarah Brown, leader and Sergeant of the mission.
Sarah is there to ask for sinners to repent. Ironically, beside her pleas there lies the business of Nathan Detroit, a charismatic con man that employs Nicely and Southstreet in his illegal craps operation.
Initial conflict arises from Nathan Detroit’s fear of retribution from Lt. Brannigan if caught for his crimes, and therefore finds himself in need of $1,000 to book a venue for the game. Quite the self-assured gambler, he moves to make a deal with Sky Masterson, another notorious criminal well-known for his willingness to make a good bet.
The bet Nathan proposed seems an unwinnable one, even for someone as smooth and charming as Sky: take a girl to Havana by the following day, or pay Detroit the $1,000… but not just any girl – Sarah Brown.
As he isn’t one to back down on a bet, Sky approaches Sarah at the mission and does his best to charm her. While unable to convince the hesitant Sergeant with wit alone, he makes her a tempting offer of 12 genuine sinners to fill her desperately empty quota of repentance. In exchange, she must tag along for the trip to Havana. From there, the show’s endlessly entertaining cat-and-mouse game of problem-solving ensues.
The obvious attention to character does not go unnoticed in the performances of Jackson Evans in his portrayal of Nathan Detroit and Pepe Nufrio as Sky Masterson. The two bring charm and fervor to their respective roles in ways that both contradict and complement one another, providing the audience opportunities to deeply relate to either leading man at any point in the story.
Nufrio creates a suave, seductive, yet sensitive Sky that is purely intoxicating to watch. Evans’ Detroit is loveable, witty, and bursting with playfulness. Both leading men do an excellent job balancing the themes of the production: heartfelt sincerity and exciting action.
Not to forget the leading ladies, Erica Stephan plays Sarah Brown as a sophisticated yet susceptible soul, full of ambition. Skillfully tackling her arc, Stephan shines with not only introspective character work, but with vocals that can take your breath away!
Truly, the vocal talent of this production is something to behold. Nkrumah Gatling as Nicely-Nicely knocks the ball out of the park with his playful interpretation of “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat”, a musical theater staple done with grace and creativity. He makes the song his own in all the best ways.
In any good show, there will always be a standout performer who can’t help but swipe your attention any time they’re onstage. For me, that performer was Alanna Lovely, with her rapturous portrayal of Miss Adelaide – the longtime fiancee of Nathan. Adding an element of humor to her character, she fully captured the turbulent confidence and fickle romance that decorate her story.
Oftentimes, the smaller characters in “Guys and Dolls” will morph into the scenery, taking a knee to the principles in forgettable and surface-level performances. Not in this “Guys and Dolls”, though.
Heidi Kettenring plays a believably comical General Cartwright, uptight and obtuse as the General may be. In amusing opposition, KC McNeil is priceless as Big Jule. For as difficult as being both intimidating and entertaining can be, these tasks prove to be no challenge for the skills of these actors in their memorable depictions.
Personality is bursting through in almost every single character, including in Christopher Llewyn Ramirez’s Benny Southstreet. Rich with gusto, he holds his own with a golden voice and spot-on physicality. A tender hand comes in the form of Gene Weygandt as he nurtures the role of Arvide Abernathy – a mentor for Sarah. Weygandt contributes some much-needed vulnerability and down-to-earth heart to the show.
Beyond these amazing performances, there are awe-inspiring dance numbers beautifully choreographed by Knechtges, continuously revving up an intoxicating energy. Illuminating these numbers is the intelligent and dynamic lighting design of Lee Fiskness, bringing an elevated level of liveliness to every scene.
Too often with productions as often done as “Guys and Dolls”, audiences are bored to death with the same plain 3-piece suits and tattered fedoras, but there’s definitely no room for that same frustration in this production. Leon Dobkowski’s costumes dazzle, perfectly giving a visual definition to each character and clearly done with an admirable attention to detail.
This production of “Guys and Dolls” reinvigorates the familiar story in a way that both those well-acquainted and first-timers will find gleefully entertaining. Through the use of skillful choreography, talent-filled acting performances, and exciting visuals, this show is definitely not one to miss.
“Guys and Dolls” is set to run until June 9th, performing on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1:30 pm, Thursdays and Fridays at 7:00 pm, Saturdays at either 3:00 pm or 8:00 pm, and Sundays at either 2 pm or 6 pm.
The Drury Lane Theatre is a magnificent venue located at 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, and attached to the Hilton for an easy stay. There is plentiful parking either outside the building or in the adjacent garage.
For tickets, go to www.DruryLaneTheatre.com or call (630) 530-0111.
Photo Credit: Brett Beiner
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