Norman middle school students gear up for “Guys and Dolls Junior”

“Guys and Dolls Junior” is an abridged version of the musical comedy “Guys and Dolls” that tells a story of unlikely couples and illegal gambling. The original version opened in 1950 on Broadway. A popular movie version was later made starring Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando.

Performances will be at 7 p.m. April 12 and 13, with a 2 p.m. matinee April 13. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for children. Children 3 and younger are admitted free.

Seventh-grader Madi Hardin, who plays Adelaide, said the hard work is well worth the effort.

“I love theater, and I've watched ‘Guys and Dolls' since I was little,” she said.

Eighth-grader Zach Jones, who plays professional gambler Sky Masterson, said the rehearsals can get hectic “but it's totally worth it.”

The play will be the school's first production in a newly renovated auditorium.

Speech and drama teacher Jessica Gwinner is directing the play, along with vocal music teacher Renee Jerden.

Allison Draheim, a Norman High School junior and Irving alumni, is stage manager.

Besides the cast, other students are responsible for the lighting, sets and finding business sponsors for the show.

“This is really a community event,” Gwinner said.

All of Norman's middle schools stage an all-school musical or dramatic production every year.