The Xavier Dramatics Society’s (XDS) production of Guys and Dolls has proven to be one of the most memorable theatrical productions in XDS history, providing excellent performances coupled with hilarious moments and fantastic music.
The show is set in 1950s New York City, immersing the viewers inside an underworld of gamblers, showgirls, and romance.
Core themes of risk, redemption, and romance are pronounced throughout the show, playing out against a backdrop that, at times, feels ‘Godfather-esque.’ A slightly dark tone pervades much of the performance, resulting in an almost-edgy feel, while still maintaining the signature charm and wit that is customary among XDS performances.
From the beginning of the musical, it was clear that the cast was giving a highly committed and skilled performance, with each member bringing their own personality to their role, using their voices and accents to transport us into the streets and alleys of 1950s New York. I would like to note a particular praise for the performance by the actress who played the role of Adelaide; her accent was particularly noteworthy, both for its authenticity and her ability to retain it seamlessly during her singing scenes.
The music was also a highlight of this production, with perhaps the largest difference from previous Xavier productions being the live band, which added greater depth to the music compared to previous XDS productions. The live music and singing worked together to create a vibrant atmosphere, making the transitions into song feel dynamic and almost nonchalant.
The production was also very successful in its ability to provide the audience with comedic relief. The audience responded positively from the start, with jokes being well-received and consistent throughout the production.
The foremost successful component of the musical was its ability to fully immerse the audience. There were moments, most notably in the scene involving the crap shooting game in the sewer, where the dialogue and acting were so captivating that I forgot I was actually watching a school musical instead of an immersive Hollywood blockbuster. The way the musical immersed the audience in its world is a clear indication of the preparation of the cast and the direction of the production.
While the production was very successful, the set design was lacking in certain areas. The set design, albeit useful for certain scenes, was highly distracting at times. The inclusion of the posters on the walls was distracting, taking attention away from the play instead of complementing it. The backdrop’s inclusion of dark building silhouettes against the blue backdrop missed details that could have added depth to the set design.
While the production was not perfect in every area, Guys and Dolls is clearly one of the more interesting plays presented by Xavier in the last few years, and it was received that way by the school community. Everyone is looking forward to what the XDS will have in store next year.
