Wichita State University’s School of Performing Arts will host what many consider to be the perfect romantic comedy, Frank Loesser’s “Guys and Dolls,” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 7-9, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, in Wilner Auditorium. General admission is $16, $14 for military and seniors, $6 for non-WSU students and free for WSU students with ID.

Guest artist Wayne Bryan, artistic director of Music Theatre of Wichita, will direct the production.

“We’re so thrilled that Wayne Bryan is directing for us again this fall,” said Linda Starkey, director of Wichita State’s School of Performing Arts and program director for Musical Theater. “To work with a guest director of his caliber is a wonderful opportunity for our students.”

Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, the 1950 premiere of “Guys and Dolls” on Broadway ran for 1,200 performances and won the Tony Award for best musical.

“'Guys and Dolls' is an American classic in the world of musical theater,” Starkey said.

The story, based on Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling’s fast-paced book, follows Nathan Detroit’s efforts to score the $1,000 he needs to set up “The Oldest Established Permanent Floating Crap Game in New York.”

Added to the mix of characters are Sarah Brown, who is short on sinners at the mission she runs; Sky Masterson, who accepts Nathan's $1,000 bet that he can’t get Sarah Brown to go with him to Havana; Miss Adelaide, who wants Nathan to marry her; and Lt. Brannigan, the police officer who always seems to appear at the wrong time.

The play is scored by Frank Loesser, and features such songs as “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat,” and stars Claire Gerig as “Sarah Brown,” Josh Brown as “Sky Masterson,” Emily Vargo as “Adelaide,” Gavin Myers as “Nathan Detroit” and John Stefansen as “Lt. Branningan.”

Tickets may be purchased in advance and are available now at the Fine Arts Box Office noon-5 p.m. weekdays in the lobby of Duerksen Fine Arts Center at Wichita State.

Contact the box office at 316-978-3233. Tickets may also be purchased online.