As much as I love the plucky little Heritage Theatre there are times when I wonder if I’m nuts for driving all the way up to Perry to see a show there (over an hour drive for me) but then I see something like their Guys and Dolls and am reminded why I do what I do. What a wonderful piece of community theatre with everything one could want out of a performance of this classic musical. I loved it!

With this particular production I have to give a lot of credit to director Beth Bruner. She seems to have a gift for bringing the best out of her performers as I have seen many of these actors before in other shows but never looking and sounding as good as they did here. Bruner also directed Heritage’s Wizard of Oz and My Fair Lady which were both outstanding. I appreciate the attention to detail like when Nicely Nicely gives the update on Mindy’s strudel and cheesecake he’s eating a piece of strudel. Another extra touch I appreciated is the film they had of the women’s fantasy men in “Marry a Man Today.” For a small production they didn’t have to go the extra mile like that but they did.

I also appreciate the casting particularly our 4 leads and especially Spot Beecher as Nathan Detroit. Because Frank Sinatra played Detroit in the movie he’s often cast incorrectly. The character in the musical is anxious, neurotic and even a little nerdy. Beecher gets this and it makes him more likeable instead of just being a slick jerk breaking Adelaide’s heart. Brianne Jeide has a very beautiful voice as Sarah Brown and isn’t half bad at playing the boozy version of her in the Havana scenes. Ashley Lorraine Williams is funny as Adelaide and Sam Bakker delivers his best performance I’ve seen from him as Sky Masterson. I also want to give a shoutout to Colton Pickarts for his very unique take on Big Julie. I’ve never seen anyone play that role quite like he does.

As is always the case. I love that Heritage uses almost all handmade sets over projections (scenic designer Jess Tarbet.) This allows them to put in little easter eggs like an NYC storefront of Bruner’s Grocery named after the director. Maybe I’m old school, but I just prefer handmade sets as it gives more of the personality of the creators over usually AI projection. I was particularly impressed with how they created the sewer set for “Luck Be a Lady.” The costumes are also a lot of fun especially Adelaide’s looks. For “Adelaide’s Lament” she has a cobalt blue dress with a blue robe that is very striking (Amber Beecher costume coordinator.) She also has a real va va voom look for “Take Back Your Mink.”

Of course a community theatre production isn’t going to be perfect but any foibles is all part of the charm. Guys and Dolls is one of the best shows I’ve seen at Heritage, and I recommend making the trip out to Perry and giving them your support. It is playing through March 7th and tickets can be purchased here.

Guys and Dolls has music and lyrics by Frank Loesser with a book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows based on the stories by Damon Runyon. The show first appeared on Broadway in 1950 where it has been revived several times over the years.

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