Theater Review: GUYS AND DOLLS (San Francisco Playhouse)

GUYS AND DOLLS IS A SAFE BET

Just in time for the holidays, San Francisco Playhouse presents a Broadway favorite, Guys and Dolls. It’s amazing. Were this masterpiece from Broadway’s golden age an actual guy or doll, he or she would be scoring Social Security. But make no mistake, this 1950 hoofer is no worse for the wear, thanks to Frank Loesser’s timeless score and Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows’ cheeky book about strippers and dice-rollers. Some of the music is still considered to be beloved Broadway standards. “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “I’ve Never Been in Love Before” and the ever popular “Luck Be a Lady” were standards of Frank Sinatra’s musical act throughout his performing career.

Melissa WolfKlain and Joel Roster

Abigal Esfira Campbell and David Toshiro Crane

SF Playhouse always offers their audience excellent actors, singers and dancers and puts on a first-rate show, and this production under Bill English‘s direction is no exception.

Kay Loren as Nicely-Nicely (center) with the cast

As the lead character, Nathan Detroit, Joel Roster is almost frenetic, never standing still as Nathan is plotting and scheming throughout the show. The sweat from his brow never stops. Adelaide, his long-time fiancée  and burlesque dancer is wonderfully played by Melissa WolfKlain (who I loved in SF Playhouse’s A Chorus Line). Her comic timing and powerhouse of a voice commands our attention whenever she’s on stage.

Malia Abayon, Alison Ewing, Melissa WolfKlain, Jill Slyter, Brigitte Losey

We all fall for the sly charm of gambler Sky Masterson; as played by David Toshiro Crane with his three-piece suits and self-assured confidence, he reminds the audience of those old-school musical movie actors. He effortlessly expresses his feelings as he’s gracefully parading all over the stage. Abigail Esfira Campbell as the uptight missionary Sarah Brown goes through the biggest transformation in the show. With her subtle but powerful vocal chops the audience is swept up with as she sings about her angst while slowly opening up her heart to the dashing Sky.

The Gamblers

As with most musicals I’ve seen with the SF Playhouse, the actors in the ensemble play multiple roles. The musical direction by Dave Dobrusky and choreography by Nicole Helfer are mesmerizing. Heather Kenyon’s scenic design of the rotating set is amazing to watch and keeps the show and actors moving. Kathleen Qiu’s costumes of tweed suits, suspenders and long dresses and bonnets are colorful and true to the Streets of New York in the 1930s.

Brigitte Losey, Malia Abayon, Jurä Davis, Joel Roster, Jessica Coker

The original stories written by Damon Runyon about post-prohibition New York was a satire of a polarized society. Gamblers, gangsters and burlesque dancers versus missionaries. saints and sinners. The polarization of society back then still exists today. The songs of love, humor and redemption are well-executed as the characters see hope beyond the their circumstances and a better day ahead. A fantastic adaptation of this classic story, it’s the perfect San Francisco treat for the holidays — or anytime.

Abigail Esfira Campbell and the Cast

Chachi Delgado and Malia Abayon