“GUYS AND DOLLS,” through Sept. 5, CenterPoint Legacy Theatre, 525 N. 400 West, Centerville (801-298-1302 or CPTUtah.org); running time: 2 hours, 20 minutes (one intermission)
CENTERVILLE — The directors of "Guys and Dolls," which is currently playing at CenterPoint Legacy Theatre, didn't want to do the same old show.
And they aren't.
The story follows Nathan Detroit (David Marsden in the MWF cast, on which this review is based), who is trying to find a place for one last craps game while his fiancee of 14 long years tries to get him to commit to marriage instead of the dice. Gamblers and girls are dancing, singing and on the run from the persistent police officer Lt. Brannigan (Rocky Revels).
Meanwhile, the Salvation Army — led by serious-minded Sarah Brown (Sarah Boucher) — is plugging away at saving souls when she falls for suave gambler Sky/Obadiah Masterson (Gary Sorenson), who takes her to Cuba to win a bet.
Jennie Richardson, co-director with her husband, Josh, said in a previous interview that she intended to tighten up and soften the classic show. She succeeded, but with some consequences.
The show is kept to a shorter timeline through the elimination of some reprises, songs and small pieces of dialogue. It's also been made more family friendly.
Some cuts are more noticeable than others. The "Marry the Man" song, which usually goes a long way in explaining Miss Adelaide's (Marissa Poole) and Sarah's decisions to marry the men they are frustrated with, wasn't included, and that's a loss.
Highlights of the production include Poole's Adelaide, who is high-energy, bouncy and fun even when she is discouraged about the lack of wedding plans on the horizon.
Marsden does a credible job as Nathan, especially in the scene where he's reading the letter from Adelaide's mother about his fictitious children and job as a good son-in-law.
Most of the costuming is fun and creative, especially Adelaide's dresses and hats. The tails and ears for the Farmerettes number were a nice addition.
The set design — mostly big poster boards, lights and steps — is minimalist but serves its purpose nicely.
Overall, this show is enjoyable and lively. Though it's a bit choppy, it has some great humor and moves along well.
Content advisory: According to a news release from the theater, "Guys and Dolls" is suitable for families but does have mild innuendo and allusions to gambling, drinking and a ladies club.
Sharon Haddock is a professional writer with more than 35 years' experience, 17 at the Deseret News. Her personal blog is at sharonhaddock.blogspot.com.
Email: haddoc@deseretnews.com