Civic's Director Robert J. Sorbera made the old chestnut musical, "Guys And Dolls" more palatable than expected. Naturally it was dated but who cares? What really saved this production was the absolute familiarity of the music with such wonderful songs like "A Bushel and a Peck", "Guys and Dolls", "If I Were a Bell", "I've Never Been in Love Before", "Luck Be a Lady", and "Sit Down You're Rockin the Boat" to name a few.
Sarah Brown, the leading lady was played beautifully by Theresa Koleszar, whose only fault was a terrific operatic voice which her role did not call for. Opposite her was Nathanael Welch as Sky Masterson who seemed somewhat stiff at times in this romantic role. The person that impressed the most was Laura Lockwood, as Adelaide, especially in her musical numbers, "A Bushel and a Peck" and her "Lament", when she infects the audience with her cold. J. D. Walls was funny as Nathan Detroit while Dan Scharbrough was deliciously menacing as Big Jule. Craig Underwood and Troy Johnson were a very comic couple as Nicely-Nicely and Benny.
The choreography by the talented Michael Worcel was exceptionally lively. The costumes by Jean Engstrom matched the excellence of the unusual scenic and lighting designs by Robert and Ryan Koharchik. Danna Sheridan had a lot do as she stage- managed the huge cast and crew.
This Damon Runyon story was put to music by Frank Loesser, who also created the lyrics. The book for "Guys and Dolls" was written by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. It is no wonder this musical is a favorite and goes on and on being produced.
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