‘Guys and Dolls’ a delight to see

PLANNING A FLOATING CRAP GAME--Gamblers Benny Southstreet (Patrick Tiller), Nathan Detroit (Kevin Kern) and Nicely Nicely (George Lindsey Jr.) try to figure out where to have their infamous floating crap game in "Guys and Dolls" currently running at the Madrid Theatre in Canoga Park.

"Guys and Dolls," currently in production by the Golden Performing Arts Center, is a delightful example of American musical theater at its best.

Playing at the Madrid Theatre in Canoga Park, the play is worth the short drive into the Valley.

It features Broadway-caliber performances and live musicians, without the Broadway or L.A. prices.

Set on Broadway in the 1940s, "Guys and Dolls" is based on a short story by Damon Runyon. The play revolves around some colorful gamblers, led by Nathan Detroit, the organizer of the "oldest established floating crap game in New York."

Although Detroit (played seamlessly by Kevin P. Kern) is the focus of the play, it’s his paramour, Adelaide, who steals the show.

K. Leigh Kern (Kevin Kern’s real-life wife) shines as Adelaide, with her perfect characterization, intonations, accent and attitude. With an excellent voice and dancing skills, she wowed the audiences with such songs as "Adelaide’s Lament," "Bushel and a Peck" and "Take Back Your Mink."

All of the colorful characters are portrayed well, from Nathan Detroit, to the gamblers, and the missionaries.

Nona Watson was excellent as Sarah Brown, with her near operatic voice. Ted Goldenberg (also the director) was warm and funny as Sky Masterson.

George Lindsey, Jr. and Patrick Tiller were especially good as comical gamblers Nicely Nicely Johnson and Benny Southstreet. Their exaggerated movements and funny expressions added even more dimension to the show.

All of the actors also were wonderful dancers and singers. The show was expertly choreographed Gerry McIntyre. The dance numbers looked great, and the dancers appeared fluid and natural, especially in the Cuba scene.

"Guys and Dolls" originally opened in 1950 and ran for 1,200 performances, making it the fifth longest running on Broadway. Several revivals followed, including a 1992 revival with Tony Award-winning actor Nathan Lane as Nathan Detroit.

Although playing in Canoga Park, this production of "Guys and Dolls" is as professional and entertaining as any Broadway rendition, with such well-known production numbers as "Luck Be a Lady" and "Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat."

It’s a definite "must see."

The show continues on weekends through Nov. 5. Ticket prices range from $18 to 28, with discounts for senior citizens and groups of 15 or more. In the intimate, 467-seat Madrid Theatre, there doesn’t seem to be a bad seat in the house.

The Madrid Theatre, a facility of the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, is at 21622 Sherman Way, in the newly renewed Old Town Canoga Park.

The box office is open Fridays from noon to 6 p.m. and one hour before show times.

For tickets and information, please call (818) 347-9938.