Guys and Dolls Shine at Ocean State Theatre

The gamblers, showgirls and dreamers of New York City sing and dance in Ocean State Theatre Company’s dazzling production of Guys and Dolls, the classic musical that debuted on July 9 and runs through the 27th . The music and lyrics are by Frank Loesser with a book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. Two Damon Runyon stories are the inspiration for Guys and Dolls.

Two couples take the spotlight: nightclub singer Adelaide (Katie Clark) has had a 14-year engagement to Nathan Detroit (Kevin McGlynn), who runs an illegal floating craps game. Gambler Sky Masterson (Tom Andrew) makes a bet with Nathan: Sky must take a doll (a woman) of Nathan’s choice to dinner in Havana, Cuba. Sky agrees, and Nathan chooses Sarah Brown (Rochelle Weinrauch), a missionary looking for sinners to reform. At the mission, Sky claims he wants to be saved, impressing Sarah with his knowledge of the Bible. He offers Sarah a deal: He will bring the mission “one dozen genuine sinners” if she will accompany him to Havana the next night.

The other major characters are gamblers Nicely-Nicely Johnson (Matthew Eamon Ryan), Benny Southstreet (John Ramsey), and Rusty Charlie (Brandon Alberto).

Guys and Dolls is boosted by terrific performances. McGlynn has impeccable comic timing. His scenes with Clark are endearing and funny. The two actors shine on the duet “Sue Me.” Andrew displayed a lot of charisma and showed some fine vocal chops, as did Weinrauch. Their romantic ballad,”I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” was a fantastic closer to Act One. Other highlights included “My Time of Day” and “Luck be A Lady,” sung by Sky, “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” sung by Nicely-Nicely, “Marry the Man Today,” sung by Adelaide and Sarah, and “Guys and Dolls,” sung by Nicely-Nicely and Benny.

The director/choreographer has crafted a tightly paced, energetic show. Two big dance sequences are pulled off with style – one in a Cuban nightclub, the other in a sewer where the gamblers have gathered to try their luck. The costume design for Guys and Dolls is truly impressive. The men are all attired in colored suits, ties, and fedoras, perfect for the era during which the show takes place. The set and lighting design also help make Guys and Dolls a pleasure to look at.

Ocean State Theatre has concocted another winning show!

Ocean State Theatre Company is located at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick. Tickets are available online at OceanStateTheatre.org and via telephone during normal box office hours by calling 401-921-6800.