By Charlene Adams
Guys and Dolls at the Ziegfeld Theatre in Ogden is a fun collection of quirky characters, energetic choreography, and charming musical numbers. My daughter and I had a fun night out in Ogden at The Ziegfeld Theatre. From the moment we walked through the doors we were met with the delicious smell of popcorn at the concessions and the friendly faces of the staff. We sat down in the comfy seats and were awed by the elegant grand drape that hung at the front of the stage. The well-placed lighting made for a beautiful picture.
The show opens with high energy as the cast bustles across the streets of New York City in the opening number. I waited with anticipation for the first song, Fugue for Tinhorns, to begin. It’s one of my favorite numbers. This trio of Nicely Nicely (James Booth), Benny Southstreet (Austin Stephenson), and Rusty Charlie (David L. Hamaker) are singing about which horse to bet on. Booth, Stephenson, and Hamaker don’t disappoint. They are right on with their timing and talented singing. The gambling talk is interrupted by Sergeant Sarah Brown (Kacee Neff) and her Save-A-Soul Mission band playing a hymn as Sister Sarah delivers a street sermon inviting all sinners to come to the Mission and repent of their evil ways.
Meanwhile, Nathan Detroit (Nathan Sachs) is struggling to find a place for his floating crap game, which police Lieutenant Brannigan (David Madsen) is trying to prevent. Detroit needs $1000 to secure the secret place for the game but he is flat broke and can’t even afford to buy an engagement anniversary present for his fiancée of fourteen years, Miss Adelaide (Christie Stolworthy), who does not approve of his gambling habits. Sachs is a sure bet as Nathan Detroit. His nice guy routine hits the mark as he struggles with securing the money for the crap game and showing his love for Adelaide. Stolworthy gives a strong performance as the neglected nightclub singer in her heartfelt rendition of, “Adelaide’s Lament”, aptly named.
When Nathan learns that Sky Masterson (JJ Bateman), his high-rolling gambler friend, is headed to Havana without a doll (woman) on his arm, he asks why. Masterson boasts that he can get any woman he wants. Detroit bets him $1000 that he can pick a woman that Masterson could not get to go with him, and the high-rolling, rich gambler takes the bet. The Mission Band comes by and Detroit chooses Miss Sarah Brown. Masterson heads to the mission to capture the attention of Sargeant Brown but is quickly met with Sarah’s staunch refusal as she sings, “I’ll Know” when her love comes along and it won’t be some fly-by-night romance. Neff’s vocals are lovely and clear and pull both me and Sky Masterson into her charms. Not to be undone, Masterson gives her a marker to guarantee one dozen sinners show up at the Mission if she will have dinner with him. She gives in and accompanies him to Havana for dinner. In Havana, Sarah has a bit too much “dulce de leche” and she professes her love for Masterson in, “If I Were A Bell.” Masterson, realizing his feelings for Sister Sarah are deeper than he’s comfortable, quickly flies her home.
Back in New York, Detroit (and Adelaide (Stolworthy) are struggling to keep their own engagement together when Adelaide confronts Nathan in, “Sue Me.” Stolworthy and Sachs really pull at your heart strings as we can see that their characters are both truly in love.
Masterson tries one last ditch effort to get the gambling sinners to attend the Mission by rolling for their souls. He makes a strong plea to Lady Luck as he successfully sings, “Luck Be A Lady.” Easily the best moment of the night was in the Mission Booth as Nicely Nicely Johnson takes us all to church in this delightfully energetic sharing of his testimony in, “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” A big halleluiah to the Mission Band and all the sinners. This number definitely was the showstopper.
Ensemble actors continue to tear it up onstage with their versatility and energy. A guy plays a hot box dancer and some dolls play gamblers very successfully. Paul Nielson who plays Arvide Abernathy and Tamara Sleight who plays General Cartwright delightfully round out the talent onstage as they satisfyingly play the doting uncle and the down-to-business Mission General. Just when you think all is lost, hope is reborn when Adelaide and Sarah delightfully plot to get their men in “Marry the Man Today.” Stolworthy and Neff spark some great chemistry and deliver strong performances.
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Director Carol Madsen does a great job bringing all the elements together to tell a story of kindness, understanding, and respect for all our “brothers and sisters”. Joshua S. Robinson uses choreography that excites and adds to the mood of each number. Music Direction by Shantel Bingham keeps the story moving through the songs. Eliza Haynie designed lights that add life to the energy on stage. The set, designed by Aaron Linford, gives a good feeling of being in the city, and also gives a clever backdrop for projections. The Costumer, Dee Tua’one, does a good job of dressing the cast to give us the right feel for the setting of this busy New York town. Adelaide’s day dress was so cute and fit her to the tee. The “Take Back Your Mink” costumes were very clever.
The Ziegfeld Theatre in Ogden is a good place to see Guys and Dolls. There is always a bit of extra fun on opening night of each show and they also offer a Student Discount on the first Saturday of each run. It’s easy to get to and the parking is good but don’t wait to get there at the last minute. The parking lot fills up and can be a bit tight. And there is even a Mercantile right next door with the perfect after show treats.
Odds are good that you will enjoy this show–my daughter and I certainly did. It’s a fun show for all but the youngest of the family. There are some suggestive dance moves and the Hot Box Dancers are, after all, nightclub performers. It’s a great date night activity.
The Ziegfeld Theatre presents Guys and Dolls, A Musical Fable of Broadway, Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser and Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows
The Ziegfeld Theatre, 3934 S. Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT 84403
October 13 – November 4 7:30 PM
Tickets: $17-19
855-ZIG-ARTS / 855-944-2787
The Ziegfeld Theater Facebook Page
Guys and Dolls Facebook Event
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