First staged in 1950, Guys & Dolls is one of Broadway’s most beloved romantic comedies involving an unlikely mix of gangsters, gamblers, showgirls and missionaries. It may be somewhat dated in its attitudes to long-suffering women standing by their men, but it’s full of heart, wit and fabulous songs.

Cody Simpson and Bobby Fox in Guys & Dolls, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour. Photo © Neil Bennett

Based on some of Damon Runyon’s celebrated short stories, which are set in New York during the Prohibition era, the musical features music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows.

Some people will remember the delightful Australian production from 1985 starring Nancye Hayes as Miss Adelaide, Ricky May as Nicely-Nicely Johnson and Anthony Warlow as Sky Masterson.

Opera Australia is now staging a brand-new production as its latest Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour (HOSH).

Originally conceived by OA’s former Artistic Director Jo Davies, it is directed by Shaun Rennie who stepped into the role after her resignation. Despite a few strange decisions, there’s a lot to like about it, with clever design, sensational choreography, superb musical arrangements and standout performances...