Max Snyder, Spencer Loessberg and JJ Cummings in Paul VI Catholic High School production of ‘Guys and Dolls.’ Photo courtesy of Paul VI Catholic High School
“They call you Lady Luck, but there is room for doubt. At times you have a very un-lady-like way of running out!” But if you did run out of Paul VI Catholic High School’s production of Guys and Dolls, you would have missed a fun night filled with laughter, jokes, and an attempt to answer the age old question: “What won't a guy do for a doll?”
In its infancy, Guys and Dolls started out as a series of short stories by Damon Runyon and then graduated to book form through the work of Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. With Frank Loesser’s composition of its signature swinging tunes and lyrics, Guys and Dolls went on to premiere on Broadway in 1950 and win the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1951. Since then, the musical has undergone numerous revivals and is widely considered to be one of the must-see, great American musicals of all time.
Somewhat ambiguously set during Depression-era New York City, where gambling is illegal and even the lowlifes still dressed in suits, Guys and Dolls follows the intersecting lives of Nathan Detroit and Sky Masterson. The show opens with Nathan trying to find a place to hold his illegal crap game while keeping his gambling activities a secret from his fiancé of 14 years, Adelaide. Nathan tries to coerce money out of Sky, but on a bet gone sweet, Sky ends up falling for good-girl missionary, Sarah Brown. Both men are “no-goodniks,” who try to juggle their love for shooting crap and their love for the woman in their lives. The people of New York City with whom they associate create a colorful backdrop to the two couples’ winding road to wedding bells.
The entire cast added a perky step to the upbeat and liveliness of New York City. Though the ensemble was a little inconsistent with their energy level, the whole group worked well together, improvising and bantering with each other, so that slipups were overshadowed by the general, feel-good air of the show. Especially memorable were the lowlife, gambling crapshooters, who shined in group numbers such as “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.”
“Chemistry? Yes, Chemistry!” Without believability and authenticity between the two couples, the driving force behind Guys and Dolls would be lost. But the chemistry between the four leads: Jacob Rozmajzl (Sky Masterson), Caleigh Davis (Sarah Brown), Spencer Loessberg (Nathan Detroit), and Abby Rozmajzl (Miss Adelaide), was palpable in songs such as “I’ll Know” and “Sue Me”, and truly carried the production.
Though there were many moments that stood out in this particular show, performances from Max Snyder as Benny Southstreet and Joey Arzeno as Big Jule were notable for their comedic timing, constant energy, humorous characterizations, and engagement with the storyline.
Though there were some issues with the technical aspects of the show, the cast recovered by keeping the pace and energy fast, animated, and dynamic, so that any inconsistencies were forgiven in light of strong vocals, vivacious lowlifes, and two endearing couples falling in love.
In short, the cast and crew of Paul VI Catholic High School’s Guys and Dolls created an entertaining night that left everyone feeling a little lucky to be there.