ARCC’s musical Guys and Dolls lived up to its big cast with even bigger entertainment

By Lucy Landaeta
Staff Writer

Set in 1950s New York City, Frank Loesser’s musical “Guys and Dolls,” performed at ARCC Coon Rapids, centers around broke gambler Nathan Detroit, who finds himself unable to host his crap game without a grand.

Enter Sky Masterson, the man Detroit bets the needed money, a bet deemed impossible. Masterson must court a woman of Detroit’s choice, Sarah Brown. She is sergeant of a dedicated reformer of sinners known as Save-A-Soul. Amidst this, Detroit’s long-time fiancé, Miss Adelaide, finds herself consulting medical help for her psychosomatic symptoms, a result of Detroit’s failure to marry her. Through the intertwined characters’ plots, the musical follows the four as they fall in and out of love, trick authorities, and grow more invested in gambling and romance.

Featuring current students and alumni alike, the show garnered up sold-out shows every night during its two weekend run, despite requiring an emergency fill-in due to injury the second weekend.

Highlights of the show include an intricate set design, cleverly lit to match the scene’s mood, as well as suits straight out of the era. Notable performances include leads Detroit and Adelaide, played respectively by current student Brandon Osero and returning alumni Anne George. Similarly, supporting role Benny Southstreet, played by alumni James Ehlenz, nearly stole the show with his expressive acting and even more impressive vocals.

Truly a feat for ARCC, as director Scott Ford said is ARCC’s “first big cast production,” “Guys and Dolls” significantly showcased both current and former ARCC talent.