The cast of “Guys and Dolls” and Kyle Taylor Parker as Nicely-Nicely Johnson (center) at Shakespeare Theatre Company. Photo by Teresa Castracane Photography.
Any self respecting theatre goer at one point has heard a song from or attended one of the many intoxicating productions over the years of “Guys and Dolls.” The classic, musical fable of Broadway is renowned as one of, if not, the great American musical. It’s embedded in the DNA of every musical that followed which is precisely why every time it’s revived, audiences clamor as if it’s brand new. Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of “Guys and Dolls” follows suit and is nothing short of bravo-worthy.
…bravo-worthy…invigorates the classic and reaches new heights…a magical, immersive experience.…The cast is stunning, the artistic elements are to die for…
The original production of “Guys and Dolls” debuted on Broadway in November 1950. Based on the colorful character in the Damon Runyon stories, it played 1,200 performances and snagged the Tony Award for Best Musical. It was followed by a film adaptation starring Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, and Jean Simmons, bringing the story of “the oldest established permanent crap game in New York” to the silver screen. Most recently, a 2023 immersive version of the show received rave reviews and multiple extensions in London’s West End. Shakespeare Theatre Company’s new production of “Guys and Dolls” invigorates the classic and reaches new heights of distinction under the direction of the Washington National Opera’s Francesca Zambello.
The timeless narrative follows a slew of characters, including gambling-addicted sinners and the antithetic missionaries trying to save their souls. Nathan Detroit (Rob Colletti, “Almost Famous”) and the despondent Miss Adelaide (Hayley Podschun, “Wicked”) have been engaged for fourteen years while Nathan’s been running an illegal gambling ring in New York City. Nathan needs cash to revive the game, so he bets the infamous gambler, Sky Masterson (Jacob Dickey, “Old Friends”), that he can’t take the missionary, Sarah Brown (Julie Benko, “Funny Girl”) to Cuba with him. From there, the ideally-paced book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows gives audiences a throughly entertaining peek into the lives of these hilarious and lovable characters.
With timeless hits like “Luck Be a Lady,” “Guys and Dolls,” and the show-stopping “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat, performed with infinite pizazz by Kyle Taylor Parker (“Kinky Boots”) as Nicely-Nicely Johnson, it has always been clear the show’s music is what makes it stand out. For this production, the exceptional elements unique to this staging make the singular music the least interesting aspect of the experience. From the moment the lights dim to reveal the sensational placement of the orchestra, audiences know they are in for a magical, immersive experience. Designed by Walt Spangler, the set, on the most expansive stage I’ve ever seen, not only provides a backdrop for the events, but stakes its place in the story as an independent entity. Innovative blocking utilizes each part of the set to separate each scene. Yet, the artistic team’s collaboration somehow makes each scene feel a part of the whole in the end.
Equally its own storyline is Joshua Bergasse’s (“Smash” TV show and stage production) impeccable choreography highlighted in the captivating male ensemble number, “The Crapshooters’ Dance.” Bergasse’s choreography tells its own tale, underscoring the words on the page through high energy ensemble numbers and even in movements that don’t quite reach the level of “dance.” The steps aptly highlight the strengths of each individual member in their collectively, picture-perfect performance. Just when you think you’ve found the standout performance among the principal cast, the next scene elevates another standout to the forefront. Between Jacob Dickey’s masterful portrayal of Sky’s duality, Julie Benko’s perfect soprano vocals, Hayley Podschun’s lovability in the stereotype of Adelaide, and Rob Colletti’s knee-slapping, comedic timing, each performance is a star-maker.
“Guys and Dolls” is a tale that has been told many times before but never with the energy Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production has. The cast is stunning, the artistic elements are to die for, and we all know the material is impeccable. This show brings the hope and light we all need this holiday season, especially in DC.
Running Time: Approximately two hours and 30 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.
“Guys and Dolls” is extended by popular demand and now runs through January 8, 2026 in Harman Hall, at Shakespeare Theater Company, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call the Box Office at (202) 547-1122, 7 days a week, 12-6pm (Box Office windows remain open until curtain time), or go online.
