Last night, I caught the latest revival of at the renovated Nederlander Theatre. And since this is Off The Record , let’s skip the press release fluff and talk about what actually happened on that stage.
Meanwhile, as Sky Masterson, newcomer has the swagger of a young Brando and the vocal pipes of a Sinatra tribute artist who actually understands jazz. When he sings "Luck Be a Lady," the casino chips on the set’s second floor literally vibrate. (That’s a sound design trick, but I’m choosing to believe it’s magic.) Live on Broadway - Guys and Dolls - Off The Record
9/10. Go for the crap game. Stay for the hot dogs. Bring a handkerchief for "More I Cannot Wish You." Last night, I caught the latest revival of
But here is the truth: Guys and Dolls is a perfect musical. It is a machine of wit, melody, and heart. You can’t break it. You can only tune it. When he sings "Luck Be a Lady," the
There is a specific kind of electricity that only exists on a Broadway block when a revival of a classic is working . It’s not just the applause or the ticket sales. It’s the feeling in the air during the two-minute warning before the curtain rises—a collective, unspoken prayer that tonight, the dice will roll seven.
Does this revival have flaws? Sure. The second act drags slightly during the Havana scene (the choreography is frantic when it should be languid). And the sound mix buried the Mission Band during "Follow the Fold."
There is a ten-second sequence during the "Crapshooters' Dance" that will go down in Broadway lore. One dancer missed a catch of the dice cup. It flew into the orchestra pit. Without missing a beat, the drummer tossed it back. The dancer caught it behind his back. The audience erupted for a full 20 seconds, breaking the fourth wall entirely. The actors stayed in character, but Vance (Nathan) gave the tiniest smirk to the wing. That’s live theater, baby.