OUTscene: (RE-view) The 5th Avenue's Mostly-Local cast of Guys and Dolls is a Smash!

by MK Scott
OUTscene Editor

The 5th Avenue Theater’s production, starring a mostly local cast and running through June 5, is SMASHING and proves that Local Theater can still be Broadway Caliber.

Set in the Damon Runyon-inspired version of New York City that's filled with gamblers, showgirls, cops, and missionaries, Guys and Dolls tells the story of Nathan Detroit (Daniel C. Levine), a gambler who just wants to find a location for his craps game and keep the cops and his longtime fiancee Adelaide (Billie Wildrick) from finding out. Trouble is, he needs some capital to secure a place, so he bets high roller Sky Masterson (Brandon O’Neill) that he can’t get a date with Sarah Brown (Katherine Strohmaier), the leader of the local mission. Nathan thinks it’s a bet he can’t lose, but he’s going to learn just what some guys will do for a doll.

Seattle's STAR, Wildrick gleefully embraces the girlish mannerisms of Adelaide, A GOOD Girl at heart, but an On-stage persona of a street walker! She makes a great pairing with NYC-based Levine, whose sniveling, pathetic Nathan Detroit really nails the heart of the character. Strohmaier is convincingly buttoned-up as the stern missionary, but conversely makes her transition into a more understanding soul seem natural. O’Neill makes a similar turn as an aloof charmer who finds something with permanence.

Laura Kenny almost steals it as General Cartwright with her booming presence.

Kate Sutton-Johnson’s Elaborate set design makes good use of bright bulbs, with a massive title sign that’s more than just window dressing and the illuminated cross on the outside of the mission! The letters double for set pieces.

Be sure catch it on June 3-5, when Levine (Nathan) will play opposite with Real-Life partner, Matt Farnsworth (as Sky Masterson) takes over for O'Neil. Actually several Cast members are married to each other and makes this a TRUE Family 'Affair'! 

Guys and Dolls stages Tuesdays through Sundays through June 5 at the 5th Avenue. Tickets are available for purchase online at the theater's website.

Wait, this run may end in Seattle on June 5th but will then head out on tour to the Twin Cities' Ordway Music Theater in St.Paul, MN for a limited run from June 15 - 26.