Douglas Mayo reviews the Guys and Dolls 2023 London Cast Recording released by Broadway Records based on Nicholas Hytner’s immersive revival at the Bridge Theatre, London.
Guys and Dolls 2023 London Cast Recording
Broadway Records
4 Stars
BROADWAY RECORDS WEBSITE
There is something about Frank Loesser’s score for Guys and Dolls which, combined with the show’s book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows can magically ensarl the affections of even the toughest of those who can’t abide musicals. Perhaps, it is the ebullient characters and songs that for the most part are more conversational than conventional showtunes, but, whatever the reason Guys and Dolls is a show that Londoners have taken to heart with more revivals than most classic Broadway musicals could ever dream of.
This “immersive” production directed by Nicholas Hytner has been playing at the Bridge Theatre, London since March 2023 featuring Daniel Mays (Nathan Detroit), Cedric Neal (Nicely-Nicely Johnson), Andrew Richardson (Sky Masterson), Celinde Schoenmaker (Sarah Brown) and Marisha Wallace (Miss Adelaide). Also appearing are Jordan Castle (Harry the Horse), Cornelius Clarke (Lieutenant Brannigan), Cameron Johnson (Big Jule), Anthony O’Donnell (Arvide Abernathy), Mark Oxtoby (Benny Southstreet), Ryan Pidgen (Rusty Charlie) and Katy Secombe (General Cartwright). Completing the cast are Iroy Abesamis, Simon Anthony, Lydia Bannister, Kathryn Barnes, Callum Bell, Cindy Belliot, Petrelle Dias, Ike Fallon, Leslie Garcia Bowman, George Ioannides, Robbie McMillan, Perry O’Dea, James Revell, Charlotte Scott, Tinovimbanashe Sibanda, Isabel Snaas, Sasha Wareham and Dale White in the ensemble.
With musical supervision and arrangements by Tom Brady and new orchestrations by Charlie Rosen, this new recording is no mere revival album rehash. Loesser’s lyrics are clear and precisely delivered by this winning cast. It’s a super fresh take on an old favourite played by a truly fabulous show orchestra. The musical pace of this recording moves at a clip bringing to life the frenetic craziness and brashness of Runyonland. For some life continues at a pace after the sun goes down.
Daniel Mays brings Nathan Detroit’s grifting and scheming to get his floating crap game a home to life with all the colour and exuberance you could hope for. Whilst Marisha Wallace give Miss Adelaide (Nathan’s fiancee of 14 years) an injection of onstage earthy soul. This fresh look at this character works and Adelaide’s Lament and Sue Me benefit as a result.
Celinde Schoenmaker shakes off Sarah Brown’s dusty persona from previous incarnations of this musical giving this character some real fizz no more so than in the exciting and ever so vibrant Havana sequence. Alan Richardson gives his all to Sky Masterton and brings a real quality to this character that is sometimes lacking on other recordings.
Cedric Neal’s Sit Down Your Rocking The Boat is the showstopper of this recording as on stage. It’s a jazzy interpretation backed by a solid gospel chorus that propels this legendary 11 o’clock number to new heights.
There’s an interesting additional to this stage revival that has made it to the recording in the form of a track called “Adelaide Meets Sarah” a mellow small hours of the morning blending of I’ve Never Been In Love Before and Adelaide’s Lament which I found brief but enchanting before the declaratory brassiness of Marry The Man Today.
There are some fun bonus tracks included with this recording that are hugely enjoyable in their own right.
I’ve had this album on rotation all day and my enjoyment of it isn’t diminished. It’s making me smile, laugh and for that reason I can see it becoming a firm favourite.
This revival runs at the Bridge Theatre until Februarty 2024. Book Tickets Here
