More I Cannot Wish You

Guys and Dolls

The true sign of a great musical classic is how long the show’s been around since it first opened on Broadway. GUYS AND DOLLS, which features a fantastic score by Frank Loesser and an excellent script cowritten by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, is a one-of-a-kind musical. From the very start it was a smash hit, and it ranks among the most frequently revived and produced shows from the Golden Age of Musicals. The story’s set in Manhattan’s sordid and disreputable Times Square area during the mid-twentieth century. It’s populated with colorful characters who are gamblers, gangsters, showgirls and a ministry of Salvation Army soldiers. Based upon a couple of short stories by American journalist and author Damon Runyon, the musical opened on Broadway in 1950. The show proved to be very popular with post WWII audiences who were looking for an entertainment to help them forget the past. It went on to win five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. And, honestly, “More I cannot Wish You” for a charming and superbly produced and highly entertaining musical comedy.

The story is set amidst a romanticized version of New York City’s underworld. It tells about a high-rolling “Guy,” a gambler named Sky Masterson, who accepts a bet to ask a Salvation Army “Doll,” named Sarah Brown, out on a date. What neither the Guy nor the Doll anticipate is falling in love with each other. Their romance is woven between another love story. A frustrating, 14-year long engagement between Miss Adelaide, the headlining showgirl at the Hot Box Club, and Nathan Detroit, the lovable gambler and wheeler-dealer from Midtown Manhattan, balances out the plot. 

This visit to the world of early 1950’s Manhattan features many of Damon Runyon’s most colorful and memorable characters. Low-life gamblers like Liver Lips Louis, Harry the Horse, Big Jule, Nicely-Nicely Johnson, and several others, populate the play. The gamblers, in particular, all speak a specific Runyonesque style of dialect. It’s a choppy cadence that’s devoid of contractions, which adds a subtle and ludicrous sound to their conversations. Combined with the actors’ loud, brash characterizations, GUYS AND DOLLS is anything but subtle.  

Music Theater Works’ production is a triumph of artistry, provided by both cast and crew. Director Sasha Gerritson returns to MTW to helm yet another excellent production, after having brought critically acclaimed audience favorites CAROUSEL, BRIGADOON and WHITE CHRISTMAS to the North Shore stage. She’s joined forces with Linda Madonia, Music Director extraordinaire, and talented Choreographer Clayton Cross, all of whom make this audacious and animated production sing and move. Kevin Disch’s eight-member onstage orchestra brilliantly brings Loesser’s hummable score to life. Ben Lipinski’s colorful and versatile Scenic Design nicely captures both the grit and glamour of Times Square. And Bob Kuhn’s sensational Costumes, crowned by exceptional Hair, Wig and Makeups that are co-Designed by Alice Salazar and Melanie Saso help remind audiences this is the Fabulous Fifties. 

Ms. Gerritson’s cast is a banquet bursting with talent, from her leading players to a large, gifted ensemble. One of Chicagoland’s most supremely talented musical actors, the lovely Kristin  Brintnall returns to Music Theater Works in the starring role of Miss Adelaide. Reminding savvy audiences of her many excellent portrayals of Audrey from LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, Ms. Gerritson is a big reason to see this production. Paired with terrific MTW newcomer, Callan Roberts, this comic couple simply can’t be beat. Featuring hit tunes like “A Bushel and a Peck,” “Adelaide’s Lament,” “Take Back Your Mink” and, especially, “Sue Me,” their songs and scenes are all showstoppers. 

They are equally matched by beautiful Cecilia Iole, as Sarah Brown, and handsome Jeffrey Charles, as Sky Masterson. Both actors are incredibly gifted triple-threats who make the Damon Runyon romance feel especially realistic. Possessing a crystal clear, soprano voice, Ms. Iole was incredible at MTW in previous leading roles in their productions of CANDIDE, PIRATES OF PENZANCE and INTO THE WOODS. She’s delightful with “If I Were a Bell,” and in her humorous duet with Adelaide, “Marry the Man Today.” Making his Music Theater Works debut, Mr. Charles’ beautiful baritone and fine choreographic talent have been enjoyed on many other area stages. It’s nice to see Jeffrey portraying a romantic lead in this show, after playing villainous cads in Theo Ubique’s THE SECRET GARDEN and Citadel Theatre’s SHE LOVES ME. He leads a lovely duet with his costar, “I’ll Know,” and brings out the drama in “Luck Be a Lady.”  To quote another couple leaving the theater ahead of me, “You’d be hard-pressed to find talent to exceed this cast of actors on Broadway!” And I agree.

The supporting players are each and every one exceptional. In particular, Chicago favorite Bob Sanders returns to MTW to portray Arvide Abernathy, Sarah’s Grandfather. He brings both humor and sensitivity to the character, especially during his sweetly sung ballad, “More I Cannot Wish You.” Cary Lovett is cocksure and comedic as Nicely-Nicely Johnson. His rendition of “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” and “Fugue for Tinhorns” (nicely sung with David Geinosky and Miguel Long), set the pace for this musical. Another Music Theater Works favorite, Caron Buinis makes a staunch but empathetic General Cartwright of the Salvation Army; and Ian Reed, although a bit soft-spoken, challenges the gamblers with New York law as Lt. Brannigan.  

Made even more special by a highly-skilled and talented ensemble of gamblers and Hot Box entertainers, this revival of GUYS AND DOLLS is a relentlessly rousing romp. Called “the perfect musical comedy,” the production absolutely lives up to that description. Under Sasha Gerritson’s polished professional Direction, each actor adds his own original touch to this presentation. A great script with timeless music, superb casting coupled with bright, energetic choreography, all contribute to make this delightful, Tony Award-winning musical from Broadway’s Golden Era seem fresh again. And More I Cannot Wish You!   

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented March 6-30 by Music Theater Works at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 N. Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL.

Tickets are available at the theater box office, or by going to www.MusicTheaterWorks.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.