Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...There's a lot of clever detail in this well-sung production, including the way Thomas' Nathan heads backstage to see Adelaide at the Hotbox, down a lonely little corridor that you only see in your head for a moment, but helps Thomas evoke a scared man trapped in his own promises. There are also several great little moments between Bernie Yvon's droll Benny, George Andrew Wolff's wide-open Nicely Nicely, and their mutual gal-pals. Instead of the predictable Marriott trick of gently adjusting the profile so one section doesn't stare too long at the back of a head, Raftery snaps his performers back and forth in a very satisfying fashion, playing up the Marriott experience of theater in the round. And Wolff, who is having a great time, also doesn't fail to rock the boat, when it matters."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...This is a musical that has it all: Larger-than-life characters who are at the same time wonderfully real (they just don’t write books like this anymore, and you have Joe Sweling and Abe Burrow, by way of the inimitable Damon Runyon, to thank for this one); a score that is the very definition of musical comedy perfection, and a story that captures Manhattan at its vintage best (circa 1950) — when there were newsstands lining the streets, cinched waist suits for women and Salvation Army missions competing for customers with such clubs as the “Hot Box,” where sassy chorus girls took to the stage."
Daily Herald - Highly Recommended
"...
Like Sky, Nathan loses the battle of the sexes — an outcome that is never in doubt, especially after the Mueller sisters make clear their intentions in the delightful duet, “Marry the Man Today.” But defeat loses its sting, when victory comes in the form of these delightful dolls."
Chicago Reader - Recommended
"...There are lots of sexy, energetic dances in Matt Raftery's production--most of them performed by the myriad wise guys who populate this 1950 Frank Loesser musical based on Damon Runyon's comic tales of bad old Broadway. Brian Hissong and Rod Thomas, in particular, just shine and shine as rival gamblers Nathan Detroit and Sky Masterson."
Copley News Service - Recommended
"... George Andrew Wolff belts out a rousing “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” one of sure-fire show stoppers in musical theater, but Sky Masterson’s “Luck Be a Lady Tonight” hasn’t much sizzle. Indeed, the whole crap game in the sewer needs more energy and inspiration, vocally and choreographically."
Centerstage - Highly Recommended
"...This visit to the gambling world of 1950’s Manhattan is a trip down memory lane for most audiences. But thanks to director Matt Raftery, who puts his original touch on this production of “the perfect musical,” it’s a brand new voyage. Superb casting, a great script with wonderful music, coupled with Raftery’s unique staging and bright, energetic choreography make this delightful Tony Award-winning musical from Broadway’s Golden Era seem fresh again."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Guys & Dolls is a fun musical comedy fable that easily entertains. It never needs to be reinvented, it only needs a committed respectful production as director Matt Raftery has mounted. Raftery’s choreography is smart and expertly performed. Raftery demonstrates a keen eye for detail as a first-time director. His Guys & Dolls is tight, swift and thoroughly engaging. Loesser’s music is in fine hands with Ryan T. Nelson’s music direction. This production is a sure winner."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Somewhat Recommended
"...One has to question the wisdom of reviving old chestnuts when there is no compelling vision to reinvigorate them. If familiarity breeds contentment, perhaps Marriott regulars will be in a forgiving mood here. Perhaps not. Given the exemplary standards at work in this all-Equity institution, this production of "Guys and Dolls" comes as a serious disappointment. The Loesser score, under the musical direction of Ryan T. Nelson, is the best thing about the show. Chicagoland audiences have come to expect a lot more from the Marriott."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...Guys and Dolls” is still a delight to watch with great songs and some fun characters. It was nice to see Benny Southstreet’s character get just a little more to do and say, but I was also sorry that thye cut the Joey Biltmore scene and it helps to set the tone of Nathan’s trials and tribulations of running his business as well as his demeanor in running “The Oldest Established, Permanent Floating Crap Game in New York”."
Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended
"...Picturing the period perfectly, Tom Ryan’s urbane set nicely set off the fedoras and loudly colored, wide-lapeled suits that costume designer Nancy Missimi contrasts with the chorines’ pink fluffery. Combine these with this cunning cast and Raftery’s crisp and unconventional choreography and you’ve got a show to lift anyone from the winter doldrums."
