'Guys and Dolls' is a surefire hit for PUP

"Guys and Dolls" — a musical by Frank Loesser and Abe Burrows that was first performed on Broadway in 1950 — opens tonight.

The story is about New York, its gamblers and sinners and the women they love. The musical's plot revolves around two couples. Miss Adelaide (played by Virginia Pourakis '05) is desperately in love with Nathan Detroit (Jake Van Naarden '06), a notorious gambler who has kept her waiting and engaged for 14 years. She hasn't given up hope that one day he'll stop running his underground crap game and settle down. On the other hand, Sarah Brown (Allison Squires '06) is married only to her work, spreading the Word to sinners from the Save-A-Soul mission. Sky Masterson (Matt Berner '05), is one of New York's most well-known betting men. When Nathan, in order to fund his game, bets Sky that he won't be able to convince the uptight Sarah to come with him to Havana, Sky discovers that, perhaps, salvation isn't so bad after all.

This production, sponsored by Princeton University Players, is directed by Becca Jangraw '04 who decided to do "Guys and Dolls" because, as she put it, "this is 'America's Musical.' It's one of the most loved musicals of all time; there's just such a high appreciation for it, and it's good for a laugh."

Jangraw has "a special fondness" for the show because she has been a part of it before.

Several cast members have also had previous "Guys and Dolls" experience; Van Naarden, this show's Nathan, played the character Nicely Nicely Johnson in a high school performance.

For other leads, it was a form of destiny. Pourakis, who portrays Adelaide, is a Triangle Club veteran, but she has never been in a formal "book musical."

However, "I've met many people in my life who told me I should play this particular part," Pourakis said. "Otherwise, I might never have tried out."

Pourakis is no stranger to Adelaide's high notes and took to the postnasal drip naturally. She has used the song "Adelaide's Lament" several times as an audition piece.

"It's pretty intense putting together a show in a couple of months, so having had practice with the song for a couple of years really helps," Pourakis said.

For Berner, Sky was just a part he had "always wanted to play; it's a really top part for a baritone."

Berner loves the musical, and thinks this production is particularly special. "Everyone has an interesting take on the parts, there's a real effort made to make the characters relatable," he said. "The dance numbers are excellent, the songs get stuck in your head and the singers are fabulous. It's been great working with these people and seeing it all come together."

Watching a recent rehearsal, it's clear that the cast has definitely made everything come together. The musical numbers are sung with feeling and clarity, the choreography is executed well and the acting is poised, all players demonstrating the requisite comic timing.

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Pourakis' Adelaide is a standout, proving she was indeed meant to play the part.

The prospects for "Guys and Dolls" look excellent, and director Jangraw couldn't agree more.

"The production process has been really great," she said.

Everyone has a particular reason for seeing the show; favorite moments range from a true "jazz hands" moment to a Havana fight scene to moments of chaos, confrontation and just letting loose.

However, Berner summed it up nicely when he said, "This is corny, cheesy, fun musical theater at its best."

"Guys and Dolls" is all about the joy of the musical formula. If you're in the mood for a classic American musical with timeless, catchy songs and a laughter-filled plot, "Guys and Dolls" fits the bill.

After all, as Squires, who plays the virtuous and sincere Sarah Brown, said, "You need to go out and have a lot of fun on your weekend. And this show is a lot of fun."

"Guys and Dolls," playing at the Film and Performance Theater at Frist Campus Center, runs from Thursday, Feb. 26 to Sunday, Feb. 29 at 7:30 p.m., with a performance at 2 p.m. on Friday the 28th. Tickets are $8 for students and can be purchased at the Frist Ticket Office.