This March, audiences time travelled to 1950s New York for this year’s spellbinding Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production of Guys and Dolls.

This masterpiece all-American musical tells the tale of two pairs of lovers who, in their own ways, have to navigate and realise their love in the face of hidden gambles and bets. Dramatic irony ties the plot into hilarious imbroglio, culminating in heart-aching declarations of love and, of course, a happy ending. Under the stars and against the backdrop of the iconic Sydney Harbour, this year’s production dazzled audiences with fireworks covering the night sky, virtuosic dancing, and brand new orchestrations written specifically for HOSH in a production of Guys and Dolls that will become a gold standard for the repertoire.

Guys and Dolls is full of infectious rhythms and unforgettable melodies, not least the iconic ‘Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat’ which saw Jason Arrow receive rapturous applause for his rendition of the song as Nicely Nicely Johnson. Similarly, Cody Simpson, playing the mysterious bad boy with a heart of gold Sky Masterson, brought the house down with his performance of ‘Luck Be a Lady’, a performance made all the more awe-inspiring with the addition of giant dice cubes lowered from the sky. 

The International Foundation for Arts and Culture was proud to host our IFAC Patron and Member of the British Royal Family, Peter Phillips, for opening night. After the event, Mr Phillips spoke to guests, cast, and directorial and executive team, congratulating them on a wonderful production and relaying the sincere thanks and well wishes of Founder and Chairman of IFAC, Dr Haruhisa Handa. 

Watch trailer here.