Photo courtesy of John Chan
No luck has been needed as Arts Collective Theatre’s (ACT) production of Guys and Dolls showing at the iconic Capitol Theatre in Windsor, Ontario, truly dazzled theatre patrons once again.
With the creative vision of Artistic Director, Chris Rabideau and Assistant Director, Cristina Orlando, Musical Direction by local and internationally renowned composer Ian Smith, and dance choreography by Tiffany Chan, made for an incredible afternoon of sights and sounds.
Set in Depression-era Time Square, Guys and Dolls is filled with many colourful characters and tells the stories of sinners, like big shot Nathan Detroit (played by Michael Rice), who runs a notorious floating crap game and is looking for his next spot to earn some quick money. Getting not so subtle hints from his sweetheart of 14 years, Miss Adelaide (Avonlea Smith), a headliner at the sizzling Hot Box Club, he needs to curb his gambling ways to take the plunge and marry her already.
We also have the suave doll-magnet, Sky Masterson (Gianluca Ieraci) who unexpectedly falls head over heels in love with mission worker, Sarah Brown (Jamie Brown-Hart). Their love is put to the test when Sarah believes he has set up an illegal game at the mission.
Highlights:
👉First and foremost, my husband, Bill – Total bias here to include a review of his magical performance, but honestly, even if I didn’t know him, he really knocked my socks off. As a professional magician in his every day life, he had a few tricks up his sleeve to delight audiences. He was part of the terrific ensemble cast, singing, dancing, and had a fun role of acting a little tipsy (intentionally!). I had no idea he could move and groove on stage like this.
👉Gambler, Nicely Nicely Johnson - Kyle Cloutier was just a joy to watch on stage – quick-talking and such an exuberant personality. Being one of the sinners, he’d still probably whistle a cab for you on the hustling and bustling streets of New York.
👉Big Julie - Leave it to ACT to switch things up and take “Big Jule” from the original musical and give us a treat with “Big Julie” played so confidently by Florine Ndimubandi. She was a powerhouse in the song “Sit Down, You're Rockin' The Boat.”
👉Adelaide - Avonlea Smith dominated the stage in the song “Adelaide’s Lament”. It was performed so well, highlighting her incredible vocals and ability to engage in a role so vivaciously that obviously she was destined to play.
👉Nathan Detroit - Adelaide’s beau in the show, Micheal Rice, sang straight from the heart and was rather convincing that he could change his ways, with his declaration of love to Adelaide, in the song, “Sue Me.” His comedic timing was perfect in so many scenes.
👉Sky and Sarah – Gianluca and Jamie Brown-Hart have such chemistry that steamed up the stage -holy moly. Apart, Jamie holds the gift of innocence on stage that never wavers from her character, which is remarkable to watch. Gianluca’s thick tousled hair and New York-ish quirks of a sleazy sinner is spot on, and his vocals would truly make Frank Sinatra proud.
👉Arvide Abernathy – Jim Walls is the ultimate endearing grand-father figure of Sarah. Honestly, can we just give him a big hug? Just a genuine performance all around.
👉“Sit Down, You're Rockin' The Boat” wait for it, hallelujah! Heidi Richards, as General Cartwright really shone in this scene with her energetic gospel stylings. You have to experience this whole scene for yourself.
👉The choreography from the dance scenes were amazing and kudos to Tiffany Chan as well as technical dance instructor Leslie McCurdy for being able to create routines that evoked a lot of energy and passion with every step.
👉Costume Manager, Moya McAlister and designer Valentine Yaghobzadeh brought a new level of New York chic fashion with bright, bold and sparkly outfits that made a statement and to reminiscence the time period with hints of modern flair.
Having a slight inside scoop of the dedication that everyone gave to perform in Guys and Dolls, along with the many hours of laundry that had to be done after these passionate performers left the stage every night, I am so happy that I was able to see this musical, which is one of my all-time favourites, in such a refreshing new way.
As well, I applaud the diversity for casting individuals of all walks of life, and true community spirit that Arts Collective Theatre (ACT) brings to Windsor, Ontario.
As the curtains close next week for this production, excitement continues on for what they’ll have in store for 2024.
💜Arts Collective Theatre
💜Capitol Theatre Windsor
