Chicago Reader
- Recommended
"...The current Music Theater Works staging by Sasha Gerritson may not be perfect, but it's sure delightful, and in the main exquisitely cast. The story of gamblers Nathan Detroit and Sky Masterson and their "dolls"-singer/dancer Miss Adelaide and missionary "sergeant" Sarah Brown-feels fizzy, full of life and optimism without losing the hard-boiled gloss of the original Damon Runyon stories on which the 1950 musical (music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows) is based."
Stage and Cinema
- Highly Recommended
"...Still touted as one of the greatest Broadway musicals of all time, Guys and Dolls turns 75 in November. You?d never know it based on Music Theater Works feisty little production of this all-American classic playing now in Skokie?s North Shore Center. Frisky as a rambunctious puppy, this Guys and Dolls, superbly directed by Sasha Gerriton, has spunk and energy oozing out of it seams. Add an ever-endearing story and music and lyrics so resonant they?ve become embedded in the very fabric of our culture, and you?re pretty much guaranteed a rollicking time. Leaving no chance for a misfire, this production goes a step further by bringing together a cast hell bent on delivering the goods."
Chicago Stage and Screen
- Highly Recommended
"...What I truly love about Music Theater Works is their absolute commitment to classic music theatre. They choose chestnuts from the American canon and go all in with them, offering fully fleshed out productions in period appropriate style. In the case of the now onstage Guys and Dolls that means fabulous costumes by Bob Kuhn, gorgeous hair and wigs by Alice Salazar and Melanie Saso and dynamic choreography by Clayton Cross, with Loesser's memorable and ear wormable score perfectly realized under Linda Madonia with a full 8 piece orchestra led by Kevin Disch. The horn section really sends this show into the stratosphere."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...What's playing at The North Shore Center for Performing Arts? I'll tell you what's playing at the North Shore Center for Performing Arts! Music Theater Works' season kicks off with what many believe is the "perfect musical" with every song in its score a part of the American musical canon ".Guys and Dolls "whisks audiences from Manhattan to Havana and back again with career gamblers, show girls and a mission that resembles the Salvation Army, called the Save-A-Soul Mission."
WTTW
- Highly Recommended
"...They really don't create musicals like "Guys and Dolls" anymore. So, head straight to the superb Music Theater Works production of the show that debuted on Broadway in 1950, features a sensational score with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and is now receiving an irresistible revival at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Highly Recommended
"...Made even more special by a highly-skilled and talented ensemble of gamblers and Hot Box entertainers, this revival of GUYS AND DOLLS is a relentlessly rousing romp. Called "the perfect musical comedy," the production absolutely lives up to that description. Under Sasha Gerritson's polished professional Direction, each actor adds his own original touch to this presentation. A great script with timeless music, superb casting coupled with bright, energetic choreography, all contribute to make this delightful, Tony Award-winning musical from Broadway's Golden Era seem fresh again. And More I Cannot Wish You!"
Buzz Center Stage
- Highly Recommended
"...Following a string of successful shows, Music Theater Works has once again hit the jackpot with their 2025 season opener, Guys and Dolls. This delightful production is currently wowing audiences at the North Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. With infectious tunes and clever lyrics by Frank Loesser, and a sharp script by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, the show is skillfully directed by Sasha Gerritson. Add to that the vibrant choreography by Clayton Cross and the expert musical direction by Linda Madonia, and you've got a performance that's guaranteed to keep you coming back for more!"
The Fourth Walsh
- Highly Recommended
"...Director Sasha Gerritson masterfully orchestrates this entertaining extravaganza. Gerritson, with fabulous costumes by Bob Kuhn, fills the stage in colorful fun! It is the perfect time to take a trip back to NYC in the 1950s. Luck changes with a roll of the dice. Love is a sneeze or a dulce de leche away! And the music is a toe-tapping, shoulder-swaying and mouth-grinning delight. Get to Skokie to enjoy the GUYS AND DOLLS. It's a sure bet for a good time!"
Chicago Theater and Arts
- Highly Recommended
"...Music Theater Works production of ?Guys and Dolls? at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie is good old fashioned mid-century style, musical theater fun."
MaraTapp.org
- Highly Recommended
"...From the first lyric until the last, the gentleman in front of me mouthed every word to every song. He made no noise so as not to disturb those sitting around him, but, like so many of us, he was unable to resist participating as Frank Loesser's music and lyrics sped by. Shortly into the first act, his wife of 57 years put her hand on top of his. He covered it with his other hand and, together, they delighted in Music Theater Works' snappy, exuberant production of Guys and Dolls, giving an unofficial review that rang truer that any words I might offer."
Evanston Roundtable
- Highly Recommended
"...It's standing ovation time again for the Music Theater Works. They are having a terrific season. Now, add Guys and Dolls to their successful performances of classic musicals."
Allie and the After Party
- Highly Recommended
"...hough Guys and Dolls has been a popular show recently throughout the Chicago theatre scene, Music Theater Works delivers a fun and laugh out loud funny show as it amps up the campiness. Fans of this classic shouldn?t be worried, this production still delivers the music and story you know and love."
BroadwayWorld
- Highly Recommended
"...Guys and Dolls is a show to be seen and enjoyed. Vibrant, energetic and just fun. Sometimes an old fashioned Broadway show is needed. Guys and Dolls is that show."
