Guys and Dolls

Casting and choreography are two of the major factors that make or break well-trod musicals, including this one—with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. This production, then, is a mixed bag though mostly satisfying, thanks to several strong vocal performances and good comedic timing. Director James W. Gruessing Jr. thought outside the box when he chose Jeff Asch as his Nathan Detroit, the suave craps-game king. Asch is slight enough in stature that when he hugs Adelaide (Rebecca Morris) his face meets her cleavage, and the two performers play it for big laughs. Asch's take on Nathan is quirky and startling, and ultimately it injects new life into the old show. Conversely, Chris Warren Gilbert feels too uptight and goody-goody to be the hip Sky Masterson, despite his powerful vocals on several numbers, including "Luck Be a Lady."

Gruessing Jr. wisely cast his lead women. As Adelaide, Morris finds depth in the typically one-dimensional Hot Box Girl. Yes, the goofy accent is there, but there's true tenderness in Morris' demeanor, which best shows in "Adelaide's Lament." Likewise, Beth Obregon, as Sarah Brown, offers a delightful rendition of "If I Were a Bell," and her voice fits nicely with Gilbert's in "I've Never Been in Love Before." Speaking of nicely, the scene-stealer throughout is Brandon Stanford as Nicely-Nicely Johnson. His sheepish grin and rousing lead on "Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat" are the most memorable aspects of the revival.

Though the dancers don't always seem to be on the same page, Ann Myers' choreography recalls the original numbers while not feeling stale. Gruessing Jr. maintains a steady and brisk pace, hitting the laugh lines hard and glossing over the sentimentality. By delivering the goods on the songs and a handful of hearty laughs, the Norris Center does a more than serviceable job with Loesser's classic.

Presented by and at Norris Center for the Performing Arts, 27570 Norris Center Dr., Rolling Hills Estates. Sept. 23-Oct. 9. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. (310) 544-0403. www.norriscenter.com.