By Harry Mottram: Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society stage Guys and Dolls at the Theatre Royal Bath this month with Grant McCotter as Nathan Detroit, Jane Knowles as Adelaide, Finn Tickel as Sky Masterson and Charlotte Hunter as Sarah Brown.
Frank Loesser’s musical comedy romance Guys and Dolls with its hit songs including Luck Be A Lady, Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat, I’ve Never Been in Love Before and, the title song, Guys and Dolls has been box office since the early 1950s when it had a Broadway run.
The story: Small-time gambler Nathan Detroit desperately needs $1,000 to set up the biggest craps game
in town, while the New York authorities breathe down his neck. On the other hand, neighbourhood missionary, Sarah Brown desperately needs “one dozen genuine sinners”. In order to get the cash, Nathan bets Sky Masterson, the highest roller of them all, that he can’t make the next woman he sees fall in love with him, and when that lady happens to be Sarah Brown, the odds are stacked against him. But all bets are off when Sky falls in love.
Considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy, Guys and Dolls is based on Damon Runyon’s mythical stories of the New York underworld. This production features a professional orchestra conducted by Musical Director James Finbow.
Many will recall the 1955 American film version starring Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, Frank Sinatra, and Vivian Blaine.
Established in 1894, and originally called Bath Amateurs, Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society’s illustrious history includes many acclaimed performances, with recent success at the Rose Bowl Awards, including Best Musical Production for Crazy for You in 2022, Best Dramatic Production for Arcadia in 2018 and Best Choreography for West Side Story in 2016.
Guys and Dolls appears at the Theatre Royal Bath from Tuesday 9 th to Saturday 13 th May.
To book tickets call the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 or visit www.theatreroyal.org.uk