The One Where the Dolls Steal the Show

Center Stage Theatre’s new production of Guys and Dolls brings Frank Loesser’s beloved score to life under the direction of Liz Muller, with choreography by Brandy Bailey and Michael ‘Beetle’ Bailey. Even after committing the cardinal sin of arriving late, I was immediately drawn in by the sweet harmonies of Anya Grondalski and Paul Keegan in their romantic duet, “I’ll Know.”

Grondalski’s clear, true soprano is impressive, and she brings a warmth to Sarah’s primness that makes the character endearing. She handled the “If I Were a Bell” intoxication scene with charm. While Keegan, as Sky Masterson, pairs an appealing vocal instrument with sincerity on stage, making for a well-matched pair.

However, the evening’s biggest laughs belonged to Jessica Nivison as Miss Adelaide. More than just comedic flair in Adelaide’s Lament, she infused the role with heart, allowing glimpses beyond the one-liners and New York accent to the character’s underlying vulnerability.

The ensemble was fully committed, and supporting performances from Jacob Marcus as Nathan Detroit, Chidi Nkwo as Harry the Horse, Maya Giampaolo as Nicely Nicely Johnson, and Maria Mongillo as Big Jule were all well-executed. It was refreshing to also see the roles of Big Julie and Nicely Nicely Johnson played by women. “Sit Down Your Rocking the Boat” is a much livelier rendition than the 1955 film adaptation.

Despite the seemingly stark differences between them, Adelaide and Sarah are the backbone of this production. When they finally come together in “Adelaide Meets Sarah” and “Marry the Man Today,” their dynamic is delightful, showing that, in the end, love will triumph. The guys, of course, have no choice but to succumb.

Overall, Guys and Dolls is a thoroughly enjoyable production. Catch it before it closes on March 2nd!

Tickets are available at: www.centerstageshelton.org

Natasha Barbieri, Editor

Editor

Creator of Classical Crossover Magazine. For Natasha music has always been closely tied to her faith. At age 18, Natasha made her opera debut playing the part of the mother in Menotti’s ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’ with the Eastern Festival Opera. At 20, she was a winner of the 2011 Young Artist Competition at Andrews University. Natasha graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor’s of Music. Natasha has released a series of Holiday singles “A Place Called Home” (2020), “One Little Boy,” and “The Perfect Year” (2021). In 2021, she was nominated for the ‘Future Classic Women Awards’ show on Men’s & Women’s Radio Station. Natasha is the creator and editor of ‘Classical Crossover Magazine’ a venture that has allowed her to interview many of the top stars in the genre including Sarah Brightman, Celtic Woman, Mirusia, Paul Potts, and more. During the covid-19 pandemic, she created an online concert series for the magazine that has seen her perform in the same line-up as Alex Sharpe, Lucy Kay, Barbara Padilla, Classical Reflection, and more on the virtual stage. In 2022, Natasha was included on the charity album “Stars of Classical Crossover: Christmas” in benefit of the Wallace & Gromit Children’s Charity.