REVIEW | Guys And Dolls

Wow! Wow and Wow!

What a truly spectacular Opening Night for Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour wit their production of Guys and Dolls presented by Opera Australia.

Making your way down the red carpet lined slopes through the majestic Botanical Garden’s at Mrs Macquaries Point is truly just stunning. With the sun glimmering through the tress and just when you thought it couldn’t get any better you are greeted by the stunning Sydney Harbour with the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House lighting up the foreshore, along with the city gleaming from the magnificent sunset.

What a truly stunning venue and set up that clearly only enhances for what was to come…

Set in New York’s illegal gambling scene in the 1920’2 this classic musical will ignite your heart and allow for a warmly presented inner smile from start the finish.

Bought to you by Principal Partners HSBC with Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser based off the Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows this magical piece of theatre is a stand out show the should certainly not be missed!

Directed by Shaun Rennie and Assistant Director, Matt Heyward this story of loveable gangsters and high-rolling gamblers brings with it effortless and joyful wit, with a sense of charm, as you are treated to the stand out moments of some fantastic scores that will certainly get those feet tapping and your body bopping.

We are greeted with the superb 26 piece Orchestra, literally hovering above the massive stage construction, almost appearing as a dimly lit silhouette with colour changing glitter throughout the show, as the overture begins building the anticipation of excitement.

Right from the start it is evident of the talent and clean lines executed with artists, including the captivating energy from well known and renowned Choreographer, Kelley Abbey. The attention to detail, stylisation and energetics throughout the performance is so impressive and alluring, that you cannot help but truly fall in love with this musical affair.

Along with the guidance from Assistant Choreographer, Robbie Kmetoni the performers just beam out vibrancy and passion that articulate the musicality and quirky nature brilliantly. Some of the numbers performed particularly from the Guys are just so impactful, offering flair and a grounded sense of passion that makes you feel like they are effortlessly flying and floating through the air, enhancing the dynamics of the powerful music.

The stage is on a traditional slope which only accentuates the brilliance of these performers, particularly during their fabulous dance scenes.

Musical Direction and Supervision by Guy Simpson is superb and truly appreciated as you take in this incredible set up, with the stunning harbour surrounding the impressive staging.

The orchestration is flawless and exudes the same vibrant strength with the Orchestral Adaptation by Jack Earle and Guy Simpson and indeed a credit to Associate Musical Director, Jack Earle and Assistant Musical Director, Kevin Wang.

Cody Simpson who plays Sky Masterson is brilliant. His smooth and captivating voice and charismatic energy keeps you glued during his performance.

Angelina Thompson who plays Miss Adelaide is enduring and showcases a stunning range vocally.

Bobby Fox who plays Nathan Detroit is loveable and mischievous along with Nicely-Nice Johnson played by Jason Arrow. You keep falling in love with their cheeky and quirky ways just as with the sultry and comical Annie Aitken, who plays the role of Sarah Brown.

The cast is exceptional and embody their characters with a mesmerising energy that is interlaced with beautiful dynamics and authenticity. Reminding us of the many layers of character traits that inter whine as we engage with each other during life experiences. There are some beautiful exchanges and moments that truly connect from the stage to the audience.

Thomas Campbell who plays Lt Brannigan had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand, with his effortless yet impactive portrayal and innocent humour with his phrasing and pronunciations, during the performance.

The Set Design by Brian Thomson is so impressive and you appreciate the scale even more so, once the stage becomes filled with the artists that truly only enhance the magnitude of this staging set up and the structure of the sets which include fly in props and lighting by humungous cranes.

The costumes are vibrant, glitzy and glamours and beautifully executed from Costume Designer, Jennifer Irwin. Every attention to detail has been showcased with this high end production.

The Lighting Design from Bruno Poet is stunning as you acknowledge the scale of such a set up with the staging for a production out doors and on the harbour. Nothing is left out of sight with the professionalism and creativity during this performance. The whole production is just superb.

The Sound Design from Jim Atkins is beautifully delivered, enhancing the production while showcasing the stunning voices from the incredible cast and artists that certainly put their heart and soul into this performance.

Guys and Dolls is a definite one to see, a truly brilliant show that is awe inspiring offering some true classics. You’d certainly feel Lucky to appreciate what this beautiful evening has in stall, so be sure to get your tickets quick for this limited season running from 21st March to the 20th April!

You won’t want to miss this, that I can guarantee!