Landmark Musicals’ ‘Guys and Dolls’ superb
Direction, choreography, casting in perfectly realized revival
The 1950s just might be the greatest decade of all for the American musical, and it all started with one of the best, “Guys and Dolls.” Based on the short stories of Damon Runyan, the musical comedy tells the story of the gambling underworld in New York City around Times Square and its clash with the purifying zeal of the Salvation Army.
“Guys and Dolls” is currently being performed by Landmark Musicals at the Rodey Theatre on the UNM campus. Expertly directed by Debi Kierst, and with gorgeous choreography by Louis and Courtney Giannini, this is a perfectly realized revival of the “perfect musical comedy.”
Nathan Detroit, a gambler, has been going with Adelaide, a dancer at the Hot Box, for 14 years. She wants to get married and is losing patience, and besides, she has told her mother that she is married and they are now expecting their sixth child. Something has to be done quickly. When Nathan bets rival gambler Sky Masterson that he would not be able to get the Salvation Army beauty Sarah Brown to accompany him to Havana, the situation is prepared for the second romantic coupling of the play. For of course, Sky and Sarah fall in love, giving credence to the cliché “opposites attract.”
The four leads are reason enough to see this wonderful production. Dean Squibb, who was brilliant in Landmark’s recent production of “A Chorus Line,” once again excels as Nathan Detroit, the part Frank Sinatra brought to life in the 1955 movie. And Erin Warden, who was likewise superb as Eliza Doolittle in Landmark’s “My Fair Lady” earlier this year, is once again outstanding as Sarah Brown (she is also an amazing vocalist). But the revelation of this show is Meghan Bode as Adelaide. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, Bode is also an outstanding comic actress. Her rendition of “Adelaide’s Lament,” better known as “A Person Can Develop a Cold,” is simultaneously funny and psychologically revealing. Frank Loesser wrote the music and the lyrics to “Guys and Dolls,” and “Adelaide’s Lament” is just one example of how he brilliantly employs music and lyrics to reveal character. The song is interspersed with Adelaide sneezing, as she narrates to us how her intolerable situation has induced a permanent, psychosomatic cold.
Loesser composed some of the most beloved songs in musical theater history, performed with verse in this Landmark production: “Bushel and a Peck,” “Luck Be a Lady,” and “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat.” The latter, which is performed by the entire ensemble, is one of the highlights of this brilliant production.
Music director Darby Fegan and the orchestra accompany the action with aplomb; Dahl Delu has designed a brilliant set; and the ensemble is superb in all they it is called on to do: sing, dance, and act. Landmark continues its run of outstanding musical productions. Playing through July 31. Call 453-8844 or go to landmarkmusicals.org for reservations.