K-State Theatre recently began production on an adaptation of the classic Broadway musical, "Guys and Dolls." The musical first premiered on Broadway in 1950 and has since seen several revivals, including one currently running on Broadway.

"We wanted a musical that's accessible to everyone, something fun and family-friendly," said R. Michael Gros, assistant professor of theater. "We also were looking for something that had a connection to the community."

Gros said most people have heard of the musical but have no idea that the author, Damon Runyon, was actually born right here in Manhattan, Kan.

"One of the challenges for the actors is going to be picking up the stylized ‘Runyonesque' language that Runyon is known for because it is not a natural or comfortable way to talk," Gros said. "The biggest thing is going to be to make sure we make it our own since so many people are familiar with it."

"Guys and Dolls" revolves around the lives and loves of gamblers in the middle of the 20th century and has several plot lines that intertwine throughout the play.

"It's a high-energy love story that also shows the progression of characters who start out negatively and grow to be better people," Gros said. "It's just a classical American musical."

"Guys and Dolls" is a large production with several principal and supporting actors and also requires constant scene changes.

"It's going to be a huge production ... which is a big undertaking, especially on the college level," said Laura Lindsay, stage manager and senior in theater. "I think it's going to be a very fun show."

When casting for the musical, Gros said he looked for actors with musical ability and the right range and quality for the characters. The play has 26 cast members, not including backstage crew - a large number for a stage production.

In addition to being able to sing and act, "they have to be able to take direction and be willing to try something new," Gros said. "We will spend over 100 hours rehearsing so everyone has to have a positive attitude."

The Collegian will be following the cast and crew through the various stages of production right up until the premier of "Guys and Dolls" on Nov. 12. This week, the principal actors are working with vocal coaches to perfect the musical numbers, and next week they will be adding choreography.