Alanna Lovely and the company of “Guys and Dolls” at Drury Lane Theatre. (Photo by Brett Beine
Recommended
Frank Loesser’s songs make Drury Lane’s production of “Guys and Dolls” work as a night out.
And hearing Erica Stephan sing in the role of missionary Sarah Brown is worth the price of admission. She is particularly right at home in her tipsy Havanna foray as she rings out “If I were a bell.”
That’s the good news.
But nice as the ensemble with Nicely Nicely Johnson (Nkrumah Gatling) is in “Sit down You’re Rocking the Boat” near the end, the production left me wishing it had moved along with more excitement and vigor.
The book, by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows based on some Damon Runyon stories, pulls up Guys and Dolls’ memorable, (or at least familiar sounding to oldsters) characters as Nathan Detroit played by Jackson Evans, Sky Masterson interpreted by Pepe Nufrio and burlesque performer Miss Adelaide, perfectly taken on by Alanna Lovely.
Just as the songs such as “I’ve Never Been in Love Before” that Sara and Sky sing will sound familiar along with “Take Back Your Mink” and “More I Cannot Wish You.”
Professional gambler Sky Masterson (Pepe Nufrio) woos Sarah Brown (Erica Stephan), the prim Save-A-Soul missionary in “Guys and Dolls” at Drury Lane Theatre. (Photo by Brett Beiner)
Director/choreographer Dan Knechtges’ revival leans more towards “camp” than the classic musical comedy seen in the show’s past film and stage versions.
But this show does revolve around “the oldest established permanent floating crap game in New York.”
Details: “Guys and Dolls” is at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL through June 9, 2024. Running time: 2 hours, 35 minutes with one intermission. For tickets and more information visit Drury Lane Theatre.
Jodie Jacobs
For more shows around town visit Theatre in Chicago.