Laughs, Flips, Threads Nimbly Delivered in OST’s ‘Guys and Dolls’

Warwick, RI – Ocean State Theatre‘s Guys and Dolls has laughs, backflips, and colorful characters sporting snazzy threads, but the cast’s compelling delivery cinches the musical as a go-to night out experience.

Production of the musical, based on a series of short stories from the 1920s and 1930s by Damon Runyon, benefits from an energetic ensemble creating a world of gangsters, showgirls, cops and missionaries mingling in search of salvation, love and an unfettered craps game.

Within that adroitly presented world, the comedy and occasional drama of the characters’ struggles spurred the opening night audience July 11 to communal laughs, applause and rapt silences. The show neatly transitioned between speaking scenes and the musical numbers featuring well-executed dancing and a few flips.

Tom Andrew of Somerset, MA, who recently appeared as Brian in OST’s production of Laughter on the 23^rd Floor, plays Sky Masterson, Rochelle Weinrauch of Westerly, RI makes her OSTC debut as Sarah Brown. Warwick resident Brian Mulvey plays Arvide Abernathy.

The stylish, cozy space at OST (remodeled a year and a half ago from its humble car dealership days) sports comfortable seats, a full bar with seating to relax in before the show and during intermission, ample parking and a convenient location nearby several local restaurants, the closest of which is the Greenwood Inn.

Guys and Dolls runs through  July 27 on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. A special matinee is scheduled for Saturday, July 19.  The post show Piano Bar Series continues with “Broadway Music and Comedy,” following Friday and Saturday performances (beginning at approximately 10:15 pm) in the theatre’s lobby on July 18, 19, 25 and 26.

The theatre is located at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, RI. Tickets are $39-$54 at the box office or at www.OceanStateTheatre.org and via telephone during normal box office hours by calling (401) 921-6800.