‘Guys and Dolls’ have a blast at Golden West

TOM TITUS

Let’s hear it for the old shows -- specifically oldies but goodies

given first-cabin treatment in revivals, introducing today’s

audiences to what tickled their parents and grandparents back in the

good old days.

“Guys and Dolls” is a sterling example. Created back in 1950 by

Frank Loesser (music and lyrics) and the team of Joe Swerling and Abe

Burrows (book) from the writings of Broadway denizen Damon Runyon,

this is a show that’s fun with a capital F from start to finish.

Golden West College has resurrected this marvelous musical, dolled

it up and is presenting it to the fortunate few who can capture

tickets for its brief, two-weekend engagement. It’s familiar as an

old shoe, and fits just as comfortably.

Director-choreographer Martie Ramm has attracted a standout cast,

and injects a few surprises of her own in this regard. The role of

Nicely-Nicely Johnson, for instance, is played not by a rotund Stubby

Kaye-type but by a tall, lean actor, while the Chicago gambler known

as Big Jule is the smallest actor in the show.

Ramm’s four leading characters are perfectly cast, however,

leading off with Golden West College veteran Mark Bedard as the

high-rolling gambler Sky Masterson. Bedard glides through this role

as Joe Cool, placing just the right ironic touch on his Runyonesque

barbs and displaying a heretofore hidden singing talent.

As “mission doll” Sarah Brown, out to save Broadway’s

crap-shooting “sinners,” Stephanie O’Brien delivers a delightfully

low-key performance, which makes her little sojourn to Havana (these

were the pre-Castro days, remember) that much richer as she samples

the native libation. She also possesses an angelic singing voice.

Nathan Detroit, proprietor of New York’s “oldest established

floating crap game,” is given a rollicking interpretation by Jason

Wesley Green, who injects some vintage Jackie Gleason shtick into his

character. His comic takes are infectious.

The show’s brightest star, however, is Rachel Greenlee as Miss

Adelaide, queen of the Hot Box girls and Nathan’s 14-year fiancee.

Greenlee virtually tears up the stage both as a singer and an

actress, nailing her brassy solos with the sort of professional

pizazz one might expect in a real Broadway show. She alone is worth

the trip to Golden West.

Jeffery W. Glover is excellent as Nathan’s lieutenant,

Nicely-Nicely Johnson, and he scores splendidly with his late-show

solo, “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat.” Jerry Booth is a winning

Arvide Abernathy, the seasoned mission drummer, while Freddy Chavez

gets his Irish up as the unlucky vice cop, Lt. Brannigan. Diminutive

Kevin Tran throws what weight he has around comically as Big Jule.

The Golden West orchestra, under the baton of musical director

Bruce Bales, provides some terrific, brassy accompaniment. Susan

Thomas Babb’s flashy costumes brighten the show considerably, as do

Robert Mumm’s lighting and Scott Steidinger’s sound design.

This “musical fable of Broadway” may have its roots in the late

‘40s, but the Golden West College production is a triumphant treat

for 21st century audiences. Just for fun, and lots of it, check out

these “Guys and Dolls.”

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CALLBOARD -- Golden West College will hold auditions for Ken

Ludwig’s farce, “Lend Me a Tenor” Monday and Tuesday at the college’s

Mainstage Theater. The production will be directed by Tom Amen.

Auditions will be held at 7 p.m. for four men and four women in

the 22 to 65 age range. No preparation, experience or appointment is

required. Contact the college at (714) 892-7711, ext. 55237, for more

information. The play opens July 8 and runs for three weekends.

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SHOWCASE -- The Academy for the Performing Arts will present its

annual student choreographers’ showcase, “Moving Thoughts,” Friday

and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the Huntington Beach High School

auditorium.

The Academy’s emerging choreographers, under the direction of

Diane Makas-Weber, will present original dance pieces in the areas of

modern, jazz, hip-hop, neo-classical ballet and tap for this colorful

dance showcase. Tickets are $8 general admission and $6 for students

and senior citizens, with additional information available at (714)

536-2514, ext. 4025.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.