‘Guys and Dolls’ worth the gamble

The West Virginia University rendition of "Guys and Dolls"is a fun, exciting view of 1950s New York City where gamblers, hustlers, gangsters and chorus girls are a dime a dozen.

Set in the '50s, scenes move from the streets to nightclubs and casinos in Havana.

Theatre professor Lee Blair is in the director's chair, with choreography by WVU Director of Dance Dr. Yoav Kaddar and musical direction by music professor Robert Thieme.

Sets are among the most impressive of plays seen at the College of Creative Arts this year, and it is obvious the cast and crew worked extremely hard. Also, costumes are highly detailed and eye-catching, giving the characters a personality all their own.

This rendition stars WVU theatre students Chasdan Ross Mike as Sky Masterson,Mary Joanna Grisso as Sarah Brown, Laura Peters as Miss Adelaide and Brandon Pro as Nathan Detroit.

MIke and Pro are perfect for their characters, but it is Grisso and Peters who steal the show. Sarah Brown is a lovable, quirky character that is easy to relate to and Miss Adelaide is a sassy showstopper with a crazy accent.

Each actress brings a freshness to her role that is seen throughout the musical.

Opening on a high note, the fun music captures the spirit of the 1950s era.

Each performer gives a very believable accent that is relatable to the time period.

The audience is drawn into this mythical world with songs and performances, which are all on key. However, some voices are overpowered by the orchestral score, and the play's runtime is a little too long.

Tunes that can be heard in the production include "Luck Be a Lady" and "Marry the Man Today." Memorable notes include "A Bushel and a Peck" and if "I Were a Bell."

"Guys and Dolls" is a entertaining show that is alive with music and dancing and is perfect for those looking for an exciting night out.

Premiering on Broadway in 1950, "Guys and Dolls" features music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, with a book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows.

The show is based on a two short stories by Damon Runyan, "The Idyll Miss of Sarah Brown" and "Blood Pressure."

The production can be seen at the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. There is also a showing Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at the CAC Box Office or the Mountainlair Box Office. Prices are $20 for WVU students, $23 for senior citizens, $23 for WVU employees and $25 for adults.