Described as a fable of 1950’s New York, “Guys and Dolls” isn’t your typical meet-cute.

The fifth most performed show on Broadway is making its way to Wichita State’s stage Nov. 7-10.

The 1950’s era story follows Sky Masterson, a charming and respected gambler seeking the heart of Sarah Brown, a naïve and reserved young missionary.

Josh Brown, a music theater major, plays the suave Sky Masterson. He described Sky as a cool, in-control and a respected gambler.

“Sky is very afraid of love, and trying to figure out how to play that has been challenging for me,” Brown said.

Claire Gerig plays the heartfelt Sarah Brown.

“I love becoming her and once you understand her character, it is easy to flip into that every night,” Gerig said.

Gavin Myers plays Sky’s best friend, Nathan Detroit. He’s reluctantly engaged to the eager showgirl Adelaide, played by Emily Vargo.

Myers described Nathan as loyal, sneaky and avoiding commitment. Finding a deeper level of Nathan has been difficult for Myers.

“Finding his motives, his thoughts and things that makes him tick is what has been challenging for me,” Myers said.

Vargo, a senior music theater major, described Adelaide as a fun showgirl desperate for marriage.

“Most people play her as the dumb blonde, but I don’t portray her that way,” Vargo said.

Wayne Bryan of Music Theatre of Wichita is guest directing the musical. In his 26 years at Music Theatre of Wichita, Bryan has been an adviser to the WSU program and worked with Linda Starkey, director of performing arts and Amy Baker Schwiethale, assistant professor of musical theatre.

“We all go back a long way, and this is the fifth year in a row I have been invited to guest direct,” Bryan said.

His enthusiasm and keen sense of direction has created a strong rapport with his performers.

“He [Bryan] validates what you say, and tries to find a way to gauge you to what he sees in a character,” Brown said. “He is hands-down the best director I have ever worked with.”

The show’s choreographer Amy Baker Schwiethale wanted to incorporate original choreography by Michael Kidd from the 1955 movie.

“It is so important to learn from the greats and pass that on to my students,” she said. “This has been a choreographers dream and stylistically as a professor, a great opportunity to offer that.”

This decorated production made its debut on Broadway Nov. 24, 1950.

A native of Manhattan, Kan., Runyon’s works revealed the gaudy world of New York’s craps game. At the 1951 Tony Awards, Guys and Dolls received Best Director, Best Choreographer, Best Actor and Actress in a Musical (Robert Alda and Isabel Bigley), and ultimately, Best Musical.

Guys and Dolls will perform Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Nov. 10 at 2:00 p.m. in Wilner Auditorium. Tickets are $16 for adults, $6 for students and $14 for faulty, seniors and military.