Guys and Dolls

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Guys and Dolls

Cabrillo Music Theatre at the Fred Kavli Theatre

Reviewed by Les Spindle

October 21, 2009

Photo by Ed Krieger

Charming triple-threat performances highlight director Nick DeGruccio's sparkling revisit to Frank Loesser's oft-revived 1950 musical. Deftly melding airy romantic comedy with the whimsical milieu of Damon Runyon's Big Apple stories, Cabrillo Music Theatre brings renewed luster to the sprightly Jo Swerling–Abe Burrows book and Loesser's classic score. Darryl Archibald's crackerjack music direction and Roger Castellano's showstopping choreography seal the deal.

Though it's considered a quintessential example of golden-age musical comedy, "Guys and Dolls" can seem quaint and a bit moldy if Runyon's cartoon-styled coterie of fast-talking but benign mobsters and their saucy dames are allowed to become too precious. DeGruccio grounds this rendition with a warm glow emanating from the characters. The story's dual romantic entanglements—commitment-phobic smoothie Sky Masterson (Jeff Griggs) with repressed evangelist Sarah Brown (Jessica Bernard), and wiry wheeler-dealer Nathan Detroit (Barry Pearl) with giddy showgirl Miss Adelaide (Alet Taylor)—play out with gusto and heart, courtesy of stellar lead portrayals.

Griggs' super-cool Masterson is a charmer from the get-go. Glorious sounds emerge when this gifted baritone launches into Loesser's evergreen love duets ("I'll Know," "I've Never Been in Love Before") with the equally terrific Bernard. Her pious ice-princess yearning to be melted is funny and endearing. She's particularly enchanting when Sarah gleefully lets down her hair in "If I Were a Bell." Pearl's Detroit is a comedic gem; he shines in the hilarious "Sue Me." In a role that's often interpreted as a squeaky-voiced bimbo stereotype, Taylor brings sass and smarts to love-struck Adelaide; she's an irresistible pixie in "Bushel and a Peck" and a determined ball of fire in the climactic "Marry the Man Today."

Supporting roles are likewise consummately rendered. Nova Safo's oily Nicely-Nicely is a delight; the performer relishes his turn in the spotlight in the rousing "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat." As nimble-footed henchmen Benny Southstreet, Mike McLean is a standout. Other spirited portrayals are offered by Danny Blaylock, Farley Cadena, and Paul Zegler. The singing and dancing ensemble is first rate, especially dazzling in the opening "Runyonland" mood setter, the marvelous "Havana" number, and the electrifying "The Crapshooter's Dance." Luck is a lady here, but DeGruccio's production reflects hard work and skills aplenty, too.

Presented by Cabrillo Music Theatre at the Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Oct. 16–25. Thu.–Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. (805) 583-8700. www.cabrillomusictheatre.com.