Review: Stolen Shakespeare Guild's GUYS AND DOLLS opens with a bang!

From Left: Hailey Hatfield as Sarah Brown, Patrick Britton as Sky Masterson, Molly Rose as Miss Adelaide, and Jake Kelly Harris as Nathan Detroit. Photo by Jennifer Stewart

Guys & Dolls

Based on a Story and Characters of Damon Runyon

Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser

Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows

Directed by Tatum Love

Music Directed by Lauren Morgan

Choreographed by Ashley Tysor

Produced by Stolen Shakespeare Guild 

Audience Rating: PG
Running Time: 2hr 30mins with a 15 min intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available
ASL Performance: Not Available
Volume Level: Comfortable
Noises and Visuals to Prepare For: None

Reviewed by Juan M. Perez

Guys and Dolls is such an American classic musical, a well-known tale featuring timeless songs still in songbooks to this day. I ventured out to Fort Worth for the opening weekend at Stolen Shakespeare Guild. Here are my thoughts from “points out west!” 

We start on the streets of New York City for the musical number, “Fugue for Tinhorns,” featuring Nicely Nicely Johnson, Benny Southstreet, and Rusty Charlie (played by Alex Bigus, John Wyatt Tompkins, and Dylan Haney, respectively,) as the ensemble comes to life on the streets! They utilize the few levels of the set to provide several eyelines to draw our attention. Soon, we’re introduced to Hailey Hatfield as Sgt. Sarah Brown. Hatfield stands tall, as she begins her plea with the sinners of NYC and she’s able to do so with sweet humility, doing her best to save a soul or two. 
As we progress, we meet Harry the Horse (Zachary Johnson), Lt. Brannigan (Fred Patterson) and Nathan Detroit (Jake Kelly Harris,) where we learn of the “heat being on,” while the trio search for a place to host “The Oldest Established” floating Craps game in the city that never sleeps. The pacing of the first few scenes moves us quickly to a new setting, The Mission, where we catch a glimpse of chemistry between Sgt. Sarah and gambler/former sinner, Sky Masterson, played by Patrick Britton. Their song, “I’ll Know” brings a bit of warmth and life to the characters with Hailey Hatfield powerfully taking center stage. 

Molly Rose, as Miss Adelaide, bursts onto the scene leading an ensemble of ladies–the Hot Box Girls,  in “A Bushel and a Peck. This fun number really highlights the dancing abilities of Katie Collins, Jacy Schoening, Megan DuChene, Tiffany Myrrh, Kailey Bermudez and Ashley Tysor. The audience becomes part of the cast, livening up the party, with the gamblers looking on. The term cute as a button really fits for this number. Directly after this celebration,  Rose receives another chance to  really shine, in  her solo “Adelaide’s Lament.” Our hearts go out to her, as she laments her predicament through a beautiful voice and heartfelt emotion. Additionally, Rose’s jokes land in speech and song, through perfect timing and delivery. 

As we travel south to Havana, the thoughtful scenic design by D. Aidan Wright, transforms the small space into a different location without sacrificing too much time in the transition. The staging allows Sky and Sarah to travel well around the action, as if they are true tourists. The choreography borrows from the movie, but gives us that island feel we need from Cuba throughout. Although, it was slightly distracting to have Nathan Detroit’s twin dancing front and center during the island party. The lovely combination of “If I Were a Bell” and the pair’s duet back in New York ends the first Act I on a sweet note.  

As the action picks up in Act II, we  see the heart and soul of Nancy Lamb, who gives the show a moment to pause and breathe with a beautiful “More I Cannot Wish You” to Sgt. Sarah. Our journey down to the sewers of NYC leads us to the Crapshooters dance, which is full of energy. Callon Belcher as Big Jule brings the proper size and intimidation to the role.  Patrick Britton hits his stride leading up to “Luck Be A Lady;” he enters the scene, handles Big Jule, and takes hold of the dice in his most effortless sequence yet. 

As we come back above ground the number “Sue Me” is another bright spot for Rose and Harris. The chemistry between the couple grows throughout the show and peaks beautifully, during this number. Our zenith of “Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat” brings the best of the entire ensemble, as it should. The audience was swaying back and forth along with the congregation, and Bigus deserves the applause at the end. 

Stolen Shakespeare Guild delivers a solid version of Guys and Dolls that you are sure to love! Seats are filling up fast, so be sure to reserve yours before they close on May 5. Tickets can be found stolenshakespeareguild.org. By the way, If you’re planning to make a full date of it, take this advice, visit Maple Branch Brewing Co. for incredible pizza and fantastic brews.  

Please take your places, 

Juan M. Perez