Joe played the role of Sky Masterson in this production, after taking over from Mark. (See 'Miscellaneous McGanns' for the full story.)
This is the review that I wrote for the 'McGann Appreciation Society' back in 1989. (For more information on the Appreciation Society see 'Miscellaneous McGanns').
Guys and Dolls
Mark's portrayal of Sky Masterson was as a tough, seasoned gambler, but was played in such a way that it was still credible for him to fall in love and become a reformed character.
Mark gave many excellent performances, so it was with some trepidation that I went to see the show after Joe had taken over. Mark is a hard act to follow and Joe had only four days of rehearsals. Joe was originally due to take over in January 1989, but was thrown in at the deep end after Mark contracted flu and had to do his first performance on the 27th December.
Although mistakes were inevitably made, Joe coped extremely well. To his credit, he didn't try to play Sky in the same way Mark had done, though similarities were obvious. Joe's added height and build gave the character a harder image to begin with, so he counteracted this by playing Sky in a softer, more innocent way.
Both Mark and Joe sing and act well, so although comparisons will be made, I think anyone would find it hard to say one is better than the other.
They each interpreted the character of Sky Masterson in their own way and gave two very different, very good performances. There was one outstanding similarity however. Both Mark and Joe, for their first few performances, appeared to have trouble keeping in step for the encore chorus line!
It is now 17 years on and I stand by this review, with only a slight amendment.
For me, Joe took ownership of this role in a way Mark never did. That is no reflection on Mark's acting abilities, more on the character he was asked to play.
In a similar situation, Mark played 'Scott' in Up On The Roof. A few years later, Stephen played the same role. Much as I enjoyed Stephen's portrayal, I will always look upon Mark's 'Scott' as being the one I remember. I think it goes to show that certain roles suit some actors better than others, and the boys all suit different parts.
I can never understand it when people say of the McGann Brothers "they all look the same"!
