By Stephanie Cousins
Guys and Dolls, at the Hopebox Theatre in Kaysville, Utah, is an oddball musical comedy by Frank Loesser, Jo Swerling, and Abe Burrows. The Hopebox Theatre’s mission is “to bring hope to families battling cancer through the performing arts.” This show is a fundraising vehicle for Margo Flint, a pillar of the Davis County community who is currently battling inflammatory breast cancer. The Hopebox’s beautiful labor of love this season is to bring a trip to New York City where gambling, love, and missionary work collide in Guys and Dolls. The story follows Adelaide, a dancer, who tries to convince Nathan Detroit, her fiancé of 14 years, to give up gambling and finally marry her.
While it is bold to do a show with New York accents, Guys and Dolls almost requires it. This entire company is up to the challenge and should be commended for their abilities to transport the audience 2,169 miles east and back several decades. Kate Rufener (Samantha Wursten) plays the sweet self-doubting church girl Sarah Brown opposite Sky Masterson, played by Jeremy Bothelo (Damon Yauney). They fit exactly like two very differently shaped puzzle pieces somehow joining to make a picture complete. When they sing together, it sounds as if they are two sides to the same musical coin. And their chemistry (yeah, chemistry) is top notch.
Adelaide, played by Amber Woody (Kristina Boler), is an adorable melodramatic character. Her mannerisms and voice are appropriately pitiable and spot-on. She shines every time she is onstage and grips the audience’s attention whether singing a powerful solo or playing off Detroit, played by Todd Wente (Austin Horton). Their duet, “Sue Me,” hits just the right notes of sweetness, bitterness, frustration, anger, and love. Woody’s comedic timing makes each scene special and perfect. Wente’s plight as a man who desires to both woo and avoid his love interest is simultaneously hilarious and inevitable.
Stand-out supporting actors Nicely Nicely Johnson and Benny Southstreet, played by Meish Roundy and Austin Stephenson, bring energy and quirky well thought-out characters to the production with their strong physicality and quick wit. Harry the Horse, played by Nathan Sachs, is so light on his feet he dances like he is floating. Arvide Abernathy, endearingly played by Paul Nielson, is an unexpected treat to listen to as he serenades Sarah with “More I Cannot Wish You.” Danielle Tenerelli provides an iconic appearance that is sure to go viral if caught on film as General Cartwright. Every character, though too numerous to list here, has moments to shine.
The musical direction by Matt Hewitt is powerful from beat one of “Fugue For Tinhorns.” Singing counterpoint isn’t easy for the most seasoned of professionals and the Hopebox players sound like they can do it in their sleep. Each ensemble piece has a warm full quality that sounds very open and natural. The duets, of which there are many, are always adeptly balanced and complementary. Christiane Telford’s clever use of color in the costuming makes for vibrant storytelling. The lighting design by Derek Raynor is intricate without being obtrusive. It influences the audience’s emotions and points their eyes and hearts to the emotion and moral of the story.
As choreographer, Sunny Simkins has her hands on just about every scene. Many productions leave the ensemble backstage for simplicity’s sake, but this production bravely puts them to good use, leaving them onstage to punctuate performances with their movements and expressive faces. The Havana scene, choreographed by Fred Lee, includes impressive Latin dancing wrapped around a complex and well-executed fight scene, designed by Justin Lee. The set design by Erica Choffel is simple, lending itself to quick scene changes, which are always appreciated by the audience. The cleverly contrived sewer scene is an immersive experience. For a bit of next-level viewing, patrons with a keen eye will spot a couple of Easter eggs made especially for the Hopebox performances.
Finally, the incredible ingenuity of director Carol Madsen and the vision of Raynor as producer comes to light constantly throughout the show. Whether it be making a scene feel like it occurs on a busy street in New York or hitting just the right beats in the dialogue, it is clear that they are masters of their craft and are able to bring the audience along a wild heartwarming ride through her talents and brilliance. And for such a good cause, it is a ride that will hopefully attract many.
Hopebox Theatre’s Guys and Dolls is a fun ride to old-time New Yawk that will have you humming the songs and laughing at the jokes for some time to come.
PLEASE NOTE: Guys and Dolls includes a bit of extremely tame adult entertainment.
Hopebox Theatre presents Guys and Dolls by Frank Loesser, Jo Swerling, and Abe Burrows.
Hopebox Theatre, 1700 S Frontage Road, Kaysville, UT 84037
February 7-8, 10, 14-5, 17, 21-22, 24, 28-29, 2020 7:30 PM, Matinee Performances February 15, 22, 29 2:00 PM
Tickets: $13 to $20.00
Contact: 801-451-5259, hopeboxtheatre@gmail.com
Hopebox Theatre Facebook Page
Guys and Dolls Facebook Event
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