Metro Theatre
Date 26 March - 23 April Venue Metro Theatre Reviewer Jane Penistan |
Book by Jo Swerling, Abe Burrows Director Mark Carter Musical Director Martin Danyluk Choreographer Ken Overbey Sets Lance Cardinal Costumes Cindy Neilson Lighting Brent Rossington Stage Manager Gail Folka |
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The large cast, the well-known music and story of Guys and Dolls presented a huge challenge to Mark Carter, the director of this production. He was fortunate to be supported by a music director of Martin Danyluk's capability and the expertise of the choreographer, Ken Overbey. The live orchestra accompanying the evening's presentation was a delight. The choreography of the chorus was stylish and in keeping with the era of the piece, though the corps dancers were not as coordinated as they might have been. The lead dancers were competent and athletic. The chorus sang with gusto. This is a multi-scened show. The
sets were all changed with a smoothness and speed that kept the pace
of the production uninterrupted. The different venues had atmosphere,
colour and immense variety. The sleazy Havana club sizzled in the heat,
the interior of the Save-a-Soul Mission was crowded and bare, but the
exterior of the Mission might have been a bit more shabby and poverty
stricken.
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W W W . R E V I E W V A N C O U V E R . O R G
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But this is a small quibble, as this street scene left the actors plenty of room to dance on that many-peopled stage, against a drop of back views of mean street apartments. Shawna Parry sang and danced faultlessly and enchantingly throughout, and was a long suffering "broad" who only raged occasionally and spiritedly at her long time fiancé, the slippery Nathan Detroit (Peter Stainton), Sister Sarah Brown was well sung and acted by Laura Cowan. Her instant, but hesitant falling for the handsome, personable Sky Masterson (Matt Oliver) was only too believable. This charismatic Sky Masterson took command whenever he was on stage. Unfortunately the orchestra tended to drown the tuneful but low-volume voice of Rodney Fenske, whose Avide Abernethy was warm and sympathetic. It was a nice contrast to the hard bitten gamblers of the neighbourhood. Guys and Dolls is good family entertainment and deserves lots of families to entertain. Take all the sisters and cousins and aunts, as well as uncles and brothers, dads and mums down to Metro Theatre. © 2005 Jane Penistan |