OREM – Few musicals have stood the test of time quite like Guys & Dolls. More than 75 years after its Broadway premiere in 1950, Frank Loesser‘s beloved musical comedy continues to charm audiences with unforgettable songs, colorful characters, and a timeless reminder that people really can change. SCERA‘s production, playing under the stars at the SCERA Outdoor Shell in Orem, captures that enduring magic with energetic choreography, memorable harmonies, and a cast that clearly enjoys bringing Damon Runyon‘s whimsical New York to life.
Based on the stories and characters of Damon Runyon, Guys & Dolls follows two unlikely romances in the colorful world of New York gamblers and missionaries. Smooth-talking gambler Sky Masterson accepts a seemingly impossible bet to take Salvation Army missionary Sarah Brown to Havana, while longtime gambler Nathan Detroit continues dodging marriage proposals from his devoted fiancée, nightclub performer Miss Adelaide. Filled with lovable gangsters, witty dialogue, and classic Broadway tunes, the show balances sharp comedy with genuine heart.
Director Kurt Elison embraces the musical’s playful spirit while allowing the relationships to remain the emotional center of the story. His production reminds audiences that beneath the dice games, flashy suits, and romantic comedy lies a surprisingly touching message about love, redemption, and the willingness to become a better person.
One of the production’s greatest strengths is its visual presentation.
Scenic designer Ethan Harrison and his talented team have created an imaginative set that continually surprises. The centerpiece cleverly recreates the iconic triangular traffic island in Times Square where Broadway and 42nd Street intersect. That central structure transforms to reveal the Hot Box nightclub. On stage right, the Roxy transforms into a Havana nightclub. On stage left, a NYC apartment building transforms into the underground sewer where Nathan’s floating crap game takes place. Watching these transitions unfold is entertaining in itself, made even better by stagehands who dance their way through each scene change, keeping the energy flowing without interrupting the action.
Emma Bayless‘ lighting design beautifully complements every location. Bright Times Square marquees, glowing dice, colorful skyline effects, and vibrant nightclub lighting create a lively atmosphere that continually draws the eye. Combined with Deborah Bowman’s outstanding costumes—filled with bold pinstripes, colorful plaids, bright hats, and stylish mid-century fashions—the production fully captures the personality of Runyon’s larger-than-life New Yorkers.
Robbie Cromwell‘s choreography is another highlight. Whether it’s polished ballroom movement, stylized jazz routines for the Hot Box dancers, or the uninhibited Latin-inspired dancing in Havana, each musical number feels fresh and energetic. The Havana sequence is particularly memorable, blending salsa, samba, and cha-cha influences into a vibrant explosion of movement that reflects Sarah Brown’s gradual transformation after a little too much Bacardi.
The inventive “Crapshooters Dance” deserves special recognition. Cromwell manages to tell the story of a dice game entirely through movement, creating one of the evening’s most creative dance sequences while showcasing the athleticism of the ensemble.
Vocally, the production is exceptionally strong—especially among the men. I had forgotten just how male-heavy Guys & Dolls really is, but SCERA rises to the challenge beautifully. The opening “Fugue for Tinhorns” immediately establishes the impressive vocal talent on stage, with the three gamblers singing independent musical lines that weave together flawlessly. Throughout the evening, the male harmonies continue to impress, particularly during “Luck Be a Lady.”
Jacob Benson possesses an excellent voice as Sky Masterson and moves gracefully through Cromwell’s choreography. His performance shines vocally, especially during “Luck Be a Lady,” where the rich harmonies of the gambling ensemble elevate an already outstanding number. However, I found myself wanting a bit more swagger and effortless charisma from Sky. He’s written as the smoothest gambler in New York, and while Benson certainly sings the role beautifully, I wished he would more fully command the stage and appear to enjoy his own confidence.
Cassidy Cooper brings a lovely soprano and sincere warmth to Sarah Brown. She convincingly portrays the uptight Salvation Army missionary before revealing a more carefree side during the Havana scenes. While I occasionally wished Sarah leaned further into the dry, deadpan humor written into the role, Cooper’s earnest performance makes her emotional journey believable, and her duet with Tia Trimble during “Marry the Man Today” becomes one of the evening’s most delightful moments.
As Miss Adelaide, Tia Trimble nearly steals the show.
Trimble fully commits to every comedic opportunity, delivering hilarious physical comedy, impeccable timing, and powerhouse vocals. Whether lamenting her “psychosomatic” illnesses or sparring with Chad Taylor as fiance Nathan Detroit, she consistently earns some of the evening’s biggest laughs. Numbers like “Sue Me” and “Adelaide’s Lament” perfectly showcase both her comic instincts and vocal ability.
Chad Taylor provides a confident Nathan Detroit, bringing steady leadership to the production while developing believable chemistry opposite Trimble. Their decades-long engagement provides much of the show’s humor and heart.
Tanner Lybbert as Nicely-Nicely Johnson and Gabriel Wright as Benny Southstreet make an outstanding comedy team. Their body language, comic timing, and natural chemistry inject constant laughs into the production. Lybbert’s performance of “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” is easily one of the night’s biggest highlights. His energetic physical comedy, paired with excellent ensemble support, transforms the number into a genuine showstopper.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the production, there were moments where the comedy could have been pushed even further. Several clever one-liners were delivered somewhat matter-of-factly when they could have benefited from greater theatricality and stronger comic emphasis. Because Guys & Dolls relies so heavily on its witty dialogue, leaning into those laughs would help maintain momentum during a few scenes that occasionally felt slower than they needed to.
Even so, SCERA has assembled a thoroughly entertaining production filled with excellent singing, energetic dancing, imaginative design, and enough classic Broadway charm to satisfy longtime fans and newcomers alike. Frank Loesser’s unforgettable score—including “Luck Be a Lady,” “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “Sue Me,” and “A Bushel and a Peck”—remains as irresistible today as it was in 1950.
As an added note, I want to address something that may be keeping some people away from the outdoor venue: the summer heat.
As I drove to the theater, my car’s thermometer read 103 degrees at 7 p.m. Extreme heat warnings flashed across my phone, and pulling into the parking lot I noticed the crowds happily cooling off at SCERA’s water park. I briefly wondered if I’d rather be there.
Instead, the SCERA Outdoor Shell was surprisingly comfortable. By curtain time, the amphitheater was completely shaded. The beautiful grassy bowl, mature trees, and open-air setting created a refreshing atmosphere that never felt unbearably hot. It turned out to be one of the most comfortable outdoor theater experiences I’ve had. If the weather has made you hesitant, don’t let it. SCERA has created an inviting summer venue that’s well worth the visit.
Whether you’re visiting for the timeless music, the colorful New York characters, or simply a wonderful evening under the stars, Guys & Dolls proves that some Broadway classics never go out of style. And thanks to SCERA’s comfortable outdoor setting, you don’t even have to worry about the summer heat getting in the way.
MORE INFO: Guys & Dolls plays at the SCERA Outdoor Shell in Orem until August 18th with performances at 8:00 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are $16.50-26.50. To view more information and buy tickets, visit https://scera.org/events/guys-and-dolls/.
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