Sound the alarms and alert the authorities. Youth musical theatre company RicNic – a unique social enterprise where every aspects of the show is run by young people– are putting on classic 50s musical Guys and Dolls, complete with full dance numbers and an onstage band.
For those unfamiliar with the story, this delightful tale of gamblers and do-gooders follows perpetual fiancée and revue star Miss Adelaide and earnest Salvation Army Sergeant Susan Brown on their romantic misadventures with the lowlife of Broadway, via a series of entertainingly demanding song and dance numbers. Have no fear, though; from the first note of the Overture it is absolutely clear that though orchestra, director, and cast are young, their talent, skills and determination are all grown up.
Heading up the cast, Erin Hughes’ elegant delivery is a fine match for Sergeant Sarah, and Emma Groome is magical as Miss Adelaide, whether motor-mouthing her beloved Nathan Detroit or delivering the most pathetic sneeze. Doing creditable service for the Guys, Nathan Elliot reels onstage dressed in the very spiviest suit, oozing charm and unreliability as Detroit, while Aston Weller purrs his way through Sky Masterson’s elegant metamorphosis from bible-reading gambler to honest husband.
You’ll miss a laugh if you take your eyes off anyone during the dance numbers, especially Will Strike (particularly fine as Nicely Nicely), so pay attention. Even though there are fewer Dolls than Guys in this particular show, the Hot Box scenes are absolute stand-outs, and 'Take Back Your Mink' is especially hilarious. Look out for star turns from the chorus from Nathan Sames as Rusty Charlie, Jazzy Wong as Agatha and choreographer Jacob Clark in a variety of zany roles.
Book now and go quickly; at the rate they’re tearing up the stage, some of the set won’t last till Saturday!