Quote of the Day: Life’s one big craps game, and the devil is playing with loaded dice. From Guys & Dolls, A Musical Fable of Broadway, Music & Lyrics by Frank Loesser, Book by Jo Swerling & Abe Burrows, based on a Story and Characters of Damon Runyon. On stage at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres through Sept. 26, 2026. Director & Co-Choreographer Tamara Kangas Erickson, Co-Choreographer Linda Talcott Lee, Music Director Andy Kust, Assistant Director Mark King, Scenic Designer Nayna Ramey, Costume Designer Rich Hamson, Lighting Designer Sue Ellen Berger, Sound Designer Russ Haynes, Hair & Makeup Designers Lex Patton & Tracy Swenson, Production Stage Manager Phil Gold. 

Cast of Guys & Dolls at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, thru 9/26/26. Photo: Dan Norman

Guys & Dolls at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is a beautiful piece of theater art. The stellar cast under the direction of Tamara Kangas Erickson is magical. The choreography is athletic and strong. The costumes are stunning. I’m including several photos in this review so you can see just how colorful and vibrant this show is. All of the theatrical elements work together to create this dynamic show. It’s a classic musical, premiering on Broadway on November 24, 1950, with many revivals on Broadway, the West End, and tours around the world, not to mention many regional and community theater productions. I’ve seen it several times, and I know all the songs!

Shad Hanley as Sky Masterson and Sara Masterson as Sarah Brown in Guys & Dolls at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, thru 9/26/26. Photo: Dan Norman

Shad Hanley is one of the sweetest and strongest Sky Mastersons I’ve seen. He’s supposed to be this high-stakes gambler, rough around the edges, but once he meets Sarah Brown, all bets are off. Sara Masterson as Sarah Brown is charming. Her vocal talents soar. Together, they have a lovely dynamic. Their duets and interactions are wonderful.

Madeline Trumble as Miss Adelaide and Charlie Clark as Nathan Detroit in Guys & Dolls at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, thru 9/26/26. Photo: Dan Norman

Charlie Clark is spot on brilliant as Nathan Detroit, a character who seems so fun to play. He’s in love with Adelaide, but can’t quite commit, even after 14 years of being engaged. Madeline Trumble as Adelaide is pure musical comedy genius. I loved every scene that she was in. Her voice, her demeaner, her undying yet irritated, love of Nathan, and her fun and witty lines and lyrics. Those two together are a comedic blast. They have a wonderful pull & tug to their relationship that makes us all laugh. And, Adelaide gets one most hilarious musical theater songs – “Adelaide’s Lament.” 

Cast of Guys & Dolls at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, thru 9/26/26. Photo: Dan Norman

The entire ensemble is tremendously talented. They work together seamlessly to provide high quality entertainment. Some standouts are the featured dancers during transitions: Kyle Weiler & Andrea Mislan. And, Rush Benson as Joey Biltmore and the featured Havana dancer. Andre Shoals as Big Jule is the right amount of Chicago gangster and addicted craps player. Matthew Hall as Nicely-Nicely Johnson is fabulous. He brought down the house with his rendition of “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” – also one of my favorite musical theater songs ever! That whole scene got the crowd going. I know I wasn’t the only one tapping my toe.

Matthew Hall as Nicely-Nicely Johnson at cast of Guys & Dolls at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, thru 9/26/26. Photo: Dan Norman

The live orchestra, up and behind a scrim on stage, led by Andy Kust did an amazing job with this fun score. You’ll recognize “The Oldest Established,” “A Bushel and a Peck,” “If I Were a Bell,” and of course the song made famous by Frank Sinatra (who played Nathan Detroit in the film) “Luck Be a Lady.” Fun fact: even though you are now hearing Frank Sinatra singing that song in your head, he did not sing it in the movie. The song is written for Sky Masterson. One of my favorites is “More I cannot Wish You” sung by Tod Pedersen to his granddaughter Sarah, Arvide Abernathy. It’s such a lovely, tender moment in the play. 

Tod Petersen as Arvide Abernathy and Sara Masterson as Sarah Brown in Guys & Dolls at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, thru 9/26/26. Photo: Dan Norman

I could go on and on about what a beautiful job the creative team at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres has done with this classic musical. It hits all the marks – great singing, dancing, costumes, set design, delicious dinner & beverages, and a festive atmosphere. Gather your friends and family and treat yourselves to this delightful experience.

Cast of Guys & Dolls at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, thru 9/26/26. Photo: Dan Norman

You can see Guys & Dolls at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres through Sept. 26, 2026. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: What are your favorite classic musicals, movies, or entertainers?