Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
(center) Veronica J. Kuehn as Miss Adelaide performs at the Hot Box with the cast of Guys and Dolls, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, book by Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling, directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes. Photo by Jim Cox.
Seen second from left, Nathan Detroit (J Bernard Calloway) is setting up the big game. Photo by Jim Cox.
Nicely-Nicely Johnson (Todd Buonopane) and cast sing "Set Down Set Down". Photo by Jim Cox. (Nicely-Nicely Johnson (Todd Buonopane) and cast sing "Set Down Set Down". Photo by Jim Cox.)
(from left) Veronica J. Kuehn as Miss Adelaide tells Audrey Cardwell as Sarah Brown about her 14 year engagement to Nathan Detroit.. Guys and Dolls runs July 2 - August 13, 2017 at The Old Globe. Photo by Jim Cox.
Elizabeth Youngman-Westphal
Special to the Village News
A fresh, revitalized version of "Guys and Dolls" is now playing at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park. It is a step back in time when men wore suits and women wore hats with white gloves while frequently pausing to check and make certain their stocking’s seams were straight.
Based on a story by Damon Runyun, "Guys and Dolls" is a smashing triumph. Classic Brooklyn accents that caress the lingo contribute to this powerful and mesmerizing production.
Brought back to life from a long sleep, this spectacular show is invigorating from the opening when scene designer Lee Savage embraces the essence of New York. Plastered with neon marquees and familiar landmarks, the show’s design dazzles and delights creating lots of excitement.
Costume designer Brian C. Hemesath didn’t spare an ounce of plaid when designing every little detail of each costume. Of which very little is required for Miss Adelaide’s costumes while performing on stage at the Hot Box. She sizzles.
Lighting designer Paul Miller enhances the production along with the excellent sound by Kevin Kennedy. But nobody out performs the musical director, Sinai Tabak. He not only guides the band masterfully through the score, he also created additional arrangements for this production.
And let us not forget the talented director/choreographer Josh Rhodes. He has masterfully breathed life into a tired old standard too often performed by high school drama departments and made it new again.
Best show this year! Every character is perfectly cast. Every nuance is spot on. Especially Nicely-Nicely Johnson (Todd Buonopane)…the show-stopping-scene stealer.
And while Terence Archie as Sky Masterson alongside J. Bernard Calloway as Nathan Detroit are perfectly cast – neither gent can ignore being a bit up-staged by Miss Adelaide (Veronica J. Kuehn) and Sarah Brown (Audrey Cardwell). Well, they won’t complain because they are both gentlemen.
Everything about this production is top quality. First rate. If you only see one show this year make it this one. Come early to find parking. Show dates: Tuesday – Sunday through July 30. Box Office (619) 234-5623 theoldglobe.org.
Reader Comments(0)