The LA Philharmonic has gambled with a fully staged production of Guys and Dolls in their gigantic arena, The Hollywood Bowl, and rolled snake eyes. In such a large environment, none of the cast members get an opportunity to bounce off each other, leading to a love story without chemistry. Plus, unless you pay for first tier seats, the actors look like blips even on the big screens that broadcast the action, leaving the subtlety of performances impossible.

The show, directed by Richard-Jay Alexander, begins on sure footing, thanks to a solid "Fugue For Tinhorns" performed by Ken Page, Jason Graae and Danny Stiles. The three easily master the famous tune; each performer is precise in their r[...]