Guys and Dolls?

I just saw Guys and Dolls for the first time. Apparently I should have seen it long ago, as everyone seems to regard it as the paradigmatic Broadway musical. But it struck me as a decidedly second-tier show. Story wasn't that compelling. Only some memorable tunes. Few big numbers.

What do others think?

#1 Have to agree that it wasn't one of my favorites. But Luck be a lady was a great song!

I have to admit that I didn't find the plot hugely memorable, but I still think it's a fun show. I agree about Luck Be a Lady!

>4 timspalding:

I think I might have enjoyed it more had that and Bushel and a Peck been songs I wasn't already deadeningly familiar with.

I've only seen the movie, never the live play. But back in one of my childhood summer acting courses we got to sing the Fugue for Tinhorns as a chorus which was a fun endeavor.

I agree that it's fun but not first-rate. I like the comic numbers best -- "Adelaide's Lament" and "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat" are some of my favorite just-for-fun Broadway songs.

My son loved the latter. I suppose I didn't like it as much as some others for the simple reason that I see everything through my kid's eye now. And while Liam, who's five, enjoyed the show, he didn't get it.

Probably best that he didn't get it? :)

Indeed. If I find him laying bets on his story dice, I'll know something sunk in.

Did you watch the movie? I did and was disappointed too. But I can't help thinking that a good stage production would be worth seeing.

I love Guys and Dolls- I last saw it at the Shaw Festival a couple of summers ago- great production ( although I had my doubts about the set)