The hall was set up in a cabaret style with circular tables throughout the floor and a serious selection of food and drink was available inside and at an outdoor food truck. It was a phenomenal layout for this presentation.
Guys and Dolls follows the story of obsessive gambler Sky Masterson (Eric Mlinch) as he is challenged by Nathan Detroit (Dan Santos) that he cannot take prim and proper missionary Sarah Brown (Becca Silvius) on a date. Detroit is not without his own trials in the romantic world; his fiancée of 14 years, Miss Adelaide (Stephanie Allen Santos), is growing impatient with his endless gambling ways.
The production featured four extremely strong leads, each bringing distinctive voices and talents to the show, making it a lively and fun-filled evening. Mlinch was slick, debonair and a smooth player as Sky, while Dan Santos offered some adorable and loveable sleaze to Detroit.
The leading women were equally as charming. Stephanie Allen Santos was as cute as a button as Miss Adelaide – this was a shining moment and a perfectly crafted role. And I must say, it’s also the only time I’ve ever seen her in her unmentionables, when she got a little cheeky during those Hot Box routines. Silvius keeps getting better with every show. She was absolutely adorable as Gertrude McFuzz in last year’s Seussical, but with Sarah Brown, she raised the bar. Silvius had a charm that reminded me of the girl-next-door characters Sandra Bullock played earlier in her career.
Another standout was Brett Hallick who was a pure joy to watch as Nicely-Nicely Johnson. He gave the character a good balance – there was just enough cynical and deadpan mocking to know he’s a diehard gambler, but he also gave the role a little fun and sympathy, which made the character much more loveable. Johnson is the type of character that can make or break the relationship between the gamblers and Hallick elevated him beyond what most community players might do with the role.
The Hot Box and Havana scenes were fun. The cheesy cabaret of Bushel and A Peck was super fun and the crowd loved the dresses getting ripped off in Take Back Your Mink. The stellar Havana dance routine was a highpoint in the show.
There’s a lot of theatre competition in Windsor-Essex at the moment, but Guys and Dolls is a bit like a trusted old friend – it’s a guaranteed good time. With Migration Hall’s annual productions, you’re always guaranteed a hit.
The production featured four strong leads, each bringing distinctive talents to the show, making it a lively and fun-filled evening. It took an incredible cast, crew and orchestra to put this show together. Director Melissa McLeod crafted a combination of acting, choreography, and live music in a fast-moving and lively show that can’t be missed.
CAST
Sky Masterson – Eric Mlinch
Nathan Detroit – Dan Santos
Sarah Brown - Becca Silvius
Miss Adelaide – Stephanie Allen Santos
Nicely-Nicely Johnson – Brett Hallick
Benny Southwest – Greg Iler
Rusty Charlie – Steven Richardson
MEMBERS OF THE SAVE-A-SOUL MISSION
Arvide Abernathy - Jane Renaud
Agatha - Becky Glover
Calvin - Kyle C Haight
Martha - Kelsey Laliberty
General Matilda B. Cartwright - Laurie Niefer
CRAPSHOOTERS
Harry The Horse - Sean Humenny
Big Jule - Donny Thievierge
Angie The Ox - Dylan Dundas
Crapshooters & Gamblers - Mike Deimling, Liz Durance, Becky Glover, Wallace Green, Kyle C Haight, Ryan Hallick, Stacey Jones, Marci Kavanaugh-Roy, Kelsey Laliberty, Emily LeClaire, Geralyn O'Brien, Savannah Mastronardi, Teresa Mazzella, Rachel Park, Cyndy Silvius, Mara Waites
LT. Brannigan - Mike Deimling
THE HOT BOX NIGHTCLUB
Mimi - Teresa Mazzella
Hot Box Dancers - Liz Durance, Stacey Jones, Kelsey Laliberty, Emily LeClaire , Savannah Mastronardi, Teresa Mazzella
Barbara - Geralyn O'Brien
Joey Biltmore - Ryan Hallick
Master of Ceremonies - Ryan Hallick
ORCHESTRA
Flute - Tina Fabischek, Jackie Mailloux, Nicole Topliffe, Laura Santarossa, Sheena Nykolaiszyn
Violin - Susi Dupuis
Reeds - Sarah McCallum, Laura Hall, Lorraine Capel-Cure, Matthew Grayson
Trumpet - Amanda Hanson, Leah Harwood, Austin Laprise
French Horn – Rachel Lewis, Linda Savenye
Trombone – Alison Stoll, Neil Johnstone
Tuba – Jonah Hall
Bass Guitar – Adrien Gagnon
Piano – Liz Coulthard
Drum Set – Taylor Unis
Percussion – Khalid Baksh
Conductor – Beth Dykeman
