Guys and Dolls 4/10 Review

[hmpeterson]

Posted: 4/11/09 at 12:07am

One of my favorite musicals of all time. I absolutely love this show, the music and the dancing. But after seeing Des McAnuff's revival, I was so disappointed.

I know we have all mentioned how miscast this show is. You really can't appreciate those comments until you see it live. Oliver Platt was just wrong for Nathan Detroit. He was so stiff on stage and didn't seem to gel with anyone on stage, especially Lauren Graham. Speaking of which, I absolutely adore Lauren Graham. A real nice lady and a great comedic actress. I so wanted to love her in this role. And I just didn't. I give her props for her first broadway show but she still seems nervous to me. She also seems stiff and robotic in her delivery and stage presence. I don't know if it is her take on the role or how she is being directed. But she doesn't seem comfortable. I think if she would just loosen up and let herself have fun and go for it, she would be a much better Adelaide. It also doesn't help having to play off Platt but I was disappointed in her Adelaide. Her best part was at the end with KJG when they did "Marry the Man Today" and dialouge before that song. She was very funny and light and her line delivery was great. If only she could do all her scenes with KJG, maybe we would see a different performance!!!

As for Craig Beirko and Kate Jennings Grant, I thought they were perfect for their roles. Usually I could care less about Sky and Sarah's romance but I really found myself rooting for them. One thing I did notice is that it seems they lowered the key of Sarah's songs. Either that or it seems Josie de Guzman sung the songs in a higher key. I don't know if that is true or not but that was how it came across to me. But I really enjoyed their performances.

The first act really seemed to drag. But I think the second act was much better. The best numbers were the Crapshooters Dance, Luck be a Lady and Sit Down You're Rockin the Boat. Sebastian really brought the house down with that number and it was the first time I felt life in the show and it was the first time I felt the cast was really having a good time.

Overall, disappointing. It makes me sad because I love this show so much. But I think poor casting, possibly poor directing and a lack of overall cast chemistry is why this show isn't working. Maybe in another 10-15 years.