Mike Brown
The Four Seasons production captures the color and charm of the Broadway classic.
Romantic comedies are comforting because their stories and characters are fantastically unrealistic. That’s the charm of a musical like Guys and Dolls.
Four Seasons Theatre brings to life the nearly 65-year-old show (by Frank Loesser, Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows) at Wisconsin Union Theater. This relic from the Golden Age of Broadway takes us back to a time when we didn’t take ourselves so seriously.
Guys and Dolls is a whirlwind love story that connects a gambling man, Sky Masterson (Jace Nichols), to Sister Sarah Brown (Abby Nichols), a straight-edged missionary. A married couple offstage, the performers have an undeniable chemistry. Abby Nichols’ soaring soprano echoes through the house while still preserving each word in flawless diction. And Jace Nichols’ suave demeanor (enhanced by his boisterous baritone) sweeps audiences off of their feet.
In another romantic entanglement are crap game ring leader Nathan Detroit (Michael Herold) and a dancer, Miss Adelaide (Jessica Jane Witham). Herold’s scheming character is realized in his shifty movements — an excellent choice by director Miranda Hawk and choreographers Brian Cowing and Katrina Brunner. For a man with illegal intentions, Nathan’s gestures give him away as the “nice fella” Adelaide would like him to be. The same can be said for Robert A. Goderich as Nicely Nicely Johnson, who wins over the crowd with his body language, goofy laugh and a memorable solo near the end of the second act.
Even with all the incredible talent on display, Witham steals the show.
From the moment she steps onto the stage, she channels the comedy stylings of Lucille Ball (as well as her red hair), and lands every quip and sniffled lyric. It is a rare gift to experience so much joy in a performance.
Admittedly, it would be difficult to not be joyful when all dolled up in the vibrant costumes by designer Carly McCabe.
This colorful production only runs for a few short days, which is a shame because this show offers so much delight.
