THEATER REVIEW:

The comical denizens of Damon Runyan’s Broadway have spent the last six decades playing the ponies, making outrageous bets and searching for the perfect place to float the oldest established game of chance in New York.

Those “Guys and Dolls” from the creative minds of writers Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling, and composer Frank Loesser are back again, this time settling in at Vanguard University, where two magnificent voices, a strong orchestra and some terrific choreography turn this overly familiar show into a glittering package of entertainment.

Director Vanda Eggington has little problem with the limited dimension of the Costa Mesa college’s Lyceum Theater, hardly the ideal venue for a large, splashy musical comedy. Her large cast becomes a smooth ensemble and scenic transitions are swiftly accomplished.

Those two great voices, both female, are the centerpiece of Vanguard’s revival. Both Rachelle Johnson as the “mission doll” Sarah Brown and Reeni Lindblom as the “well-known fiancee” Miss Adelaide score mightily on the vocal meter, blending their tones deliciously in their only duet, “Marry the Man Today.”

While their singing overshadows their acting, the reverse holds true for Vanguard’s Sky Masterson (Michael Dye) and Nathan Detroit (Lucas Moore), who have fine performing chops but just average singing voices. This works well, since it’s their character depictions that carry the show here.

Dye impresses as a smooth, well-heeled gambler who flips for Johnson’s cute soul saver. Their teasing “I’ll Know” is a delight, while Johnson excels in her post-Havana exultations “If I Were a Bell” and, with Dye, “I’ve Never Been in Love Before.”

Lindblom’s assignment is to steal the show (Adelaide always does) and she accomplishes it splendidly with a pair of “Laments” and two Hot Box Club production numbers, “A Bushel and a Peck” and “Take Back Your Mink.” Moore is a diminutive dynamo who scores in his “Sue Me” duet with Adelaide (even if the program does credit that number to Sky).

Choreographer Stephany Parker, who also joins the ensemble, has cooked up some sizzling footwork for such production numbers as the Havana donneybrook, “Luck Be a Lady” and Tim Lavino’s rollicking “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat.”

The songs are beautifully backed by a nine-piece orchestra under the baton of Janice Rodgers Wainwright.

Paul Eggington’s simple but effective setting is altered efficiently for each sequence, even the tricky Cuba and subterranean backdrops.

The Vanguard show has excised the tender “More I Cannot Wish You” from the score, perhaps for time considerations.

“Guys and Dolls” is definitely an oldie, but with the infusion of comedic energy present at Vanguard University, it’s still a goodie.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: “Guys and Dolls”

WHERE: Vanguard University, 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

WHEN: Closing performances at 8 tonight Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday

COST: $14 & $17

CALL: (714) 668-6145

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews appear Thursdays.