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Guys and Dolls: A Delightful Rendition of a Broadway Classic
Arcadia Weekly Sep 23, 2015
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By Nathaniel Cayanan
I have a proposition for you. Let’s say that if there is an entertaining play that will make you grin ear to ear in Glendale, California, you hop in your car, make your way to the theatre, and pay the admission price to go see it. Takers? Anyone? Well, even if you’re not betting men and women, you should still consider heading over to Glendale Centre Theatre and watching their delightful rendition of Guys and Dolls. Directed by Tim Dietlein and Dan Roebuck, this specific production brings the flair and fun of the show that has entertained generations of audiences.
For those unfamiliar with the renowned musical, the show follows the exploits of Nathan Detroit, local host of illegal floating craps games around Broadway, and Sky Masterson, a master gambler who’s game for almost any bet. The duo make a bet that the supposedly smooth operator Sky won’t be able to seduce a pious evangelical who means to rid the streets of Broadway of its evil, evil ways. And if Sky can’t, he must pay the perpetually-engaged Nathan one thousand dollars.
While not as lavish as past productions in much bigger venues, the show utilizes the stage space at Glendale Centre Theatre well. This production maintains the appeal of the classic musical, mainly because the cast brings a lot of energy and charm to their already colorful characters. Specific kudos go to Heather Lundsedt, who plays Sarah, that pious evangelical. With an operatic, Disney princess voice, Lundsedt steals the show with songs such as “I’ll Know” and “If I Were a Bell.”
Robert Standley’s Sky and Jason Lewis’ Nathan are also quite magnetic, and are only made more so with really strong cast.
On top of that, the choreography is quite entertaining. This is surprising given the unconventional stage space with arena seating at Glendale Centre Theatre. Choreographer Orlando Alexander truly delivers a spectacle to behold with a cast adeptly dancing in their vibrant costumes.
Now, the musical may feel a little outdated to modern audiences, due to dialogue and narratives that focus on women obsessed with marriage and cannot be without men in their lives. But remember, this is a play that was written in the 1950s. It was a different time, and this production is an interesting look at what audiences enjoyed years ago. And sure, the play will obviously appeal to an older audience who are more likely to have seen Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra bring this play to the big screen. But all audiences, young and old, will find this specific iteration a really good way to spend a night out on the town. That’s a sure bet
Guys and Dolls will play until Oct. 10th, 2015, at Glendale Centre Theatre, 324 N. Orange St., Glendale, CA 91203. Tickets are $28 (Adult), $23 (Senior 62 & over), and $18 (children 16 & under). Discount rates are available for groups of 15 or more and can be purchased by calling (818) 244-8481 or online at www.glendalecentretheatre.com.
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