Hedy Weiss: Theater Reviews

‘Guys and Dolls,’ an Enduring Broadway Classic, Lights Up a Skokie Stage: Review

They really don’t create musicals like “Guys and Dolls” anymore. So, head straight to the superb Music Theater Works production of the show that debuted on Broadway in 1950, features a sensational score with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and is now receiving an irresistible revival at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.

Ideally directed by Sasha Gerritson, with musical direction by Linda Madonia, deftly choreographed by Clayton Cross and featuring a superb orchestra of seven musicians (perched above the stage, and conducted by pianist Kevin Disch), it is winningly performed by an outstanding cast of 24 actors. And without exaggerating, I would say this production could easily be moved to a Broadway theater in New York, the city that just happens to be the backdrop for the musical.

Before going any further, a quick summary of the zesty story penned by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. Set in midtown Manhattan in the 1920s or early ‘30s, it is driven by a slew of small-time gamblers trying to win big bucks, as well as by the interest of a group of sexy showgirls in some of these men. And, on the other side, there is the staff of the very proper Save-a-Soul Mission, a neighborhood operation that is trying to survive in a godly way.

Now, a list of some of the show’s irresistibly clever and enduring songs that will instantly ring a bell. They include: “The Oldest,” “I’ll Know,”  “A Bushel and a Peck,” “If I Were a Bell,” “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” “Take Back Your Mink,” “Luck Be a Lady,” “Sue Me,” “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” and “Marry the Man Today.”

From left, Adam Raso, Callan Roberts, Andrew Freeland, David Geinosky and Peter Ruger in “Guys and Dolls,” from Music Theater Works, now playing through March 30, 2025, at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. (Brett Beiner)

The Music Theater Works cast nails every scene and captures the distinctive personality of each character, most of whom are devoted to illegal “floating craps games.”

There are the many male gamblers, with a wide variety of personalities, including the penniless but energetic Nathan Detroit (Callan Roberts); the more sophisticated Sky Masterson (Jeffrey Charles); and Cary Lovett (as Nicely-Nicely), David Geinosky (as Benny), Bob Sanders (as Arvide), Adam Raso (as Harry the Horse), and Andrew Freeland (as Big Jule).

And then the women: There is Kristin Brintnall as Miss Adelaide, the sassy/sexy dancehall girl who has been waiting to marry Nathan for 14 years, and Cecilia Iole as Sarah Brown, the pretty but very proper and seemingly devoted head of the Mission who is subtly seduced by Sky, and even goes on a trip to Havana, Cuba with him.

Jenny Couch, Catherine Rodriguez O’Connor, Kristin Brintnall, Emily Holland and Emma Jean Eastlund in “Guys and Dolls,” from Music Theater Works, now playing through March 30, 2025, at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. (Brett Beiner)

So, to put it bluntly, forget about gambling in Las Vegas these days, and head to Skokie instead. That is there that you will win the delight of an enduring, immensely clever musical classic — a show that promises to be a far more rewarding bet.

The Music Theater Works production of “Guys and Dolls” runs through March 30 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Boulevard in Skokie. For tickets call 847-673-6300 or visit musictheaterworks.com.

Note: Music Theater Works’ upcoming productions include “Fiddler on the Roof” (Aug. 7-17); “Godspell” (Oct. 23-Nov. 16), and “Annie” (Dec. 18, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026).
 

Follow Hedy Weiss on Twitter: @HedyWeissCritic

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