rgray@gctelegram.com

Garden City High School seniors Brian Clarke and Haley Regan went backstage Monday night at the GCHS auditorium beaming after a scene together.

The two play lead parts in the GCHS production of "Guys and Dolls," a popular Broadway musical.

GCHS will present "Guys and Dolls" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. There will be a matinee performance at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

"Nailed it," Clarke said after the scene.

It's Clarke's first year doing a musical, and Regan helped talk him into it.

"I kind of wanted to prove to people what they think I can't do," he said.

Clarke said he's glad for the experience and he likes the play.

"Basically, we're playing ourselves," he said, laughing.

Clarke plays Sky Masterson, who is bet money by Nathan Detroit he can take out Sarah Brown, a local mission girl.

Detroit is after money to continue his gambling ring.

Regan plays Sarah Brown.

Regan said she likes playing her character, but it's difficult because in the past she's played funny roles.

"Sarah is very serious and thinks she's got it all figured out — how to live life and who she's going to marry. And then Sky comes along and messes everything up," she said.

Rachel Collins, senior, plays Agatha, who is part of the mission band. Collins said she had heard of "Guys and Dolls," but wasn't too familiar with it.

"Everyone is really enjoying it," she said.

Issac Silva, 14, a freshman, said he's excited to perform in front of the audience.

Silva plays an apprentice to a hustler in the play.

"I love it. It's so much fun. I really enjoy the people I get to work with. I'm not nervous at all," he said.

Justin Walker, 15, a freshman, plays Big Julie.

"I'm a bad guy — a hustler," he said.

Walker said he enjoys the part.

"I love him. He's a big jerk," he said.

Kovit Phetdara, 18, a senior, plays Joey Bitmore, who holds the gambling games in his garage.

Phetdara enjoys the production and said the students have put a lot of work in.

He urges the public to attend the musical because of the hard work and talent from the musicians, actors and production crew.

And the play has a good message, too.

"It's about being on the right side of integrity — doing the right thing. Everyone or someone is always watching," he said.

For Barbara Hilt, theater instructor, it's her first production at GCHS. It's also the first production in the new auditorium. Hilt chose the musical because it's one of her favorites.

She said the production is perfect for the talented GCHS students.

"Honestly, I think I picked the perfect show not knowing what kind of talent I had here. I had some really phenomenal kids come and audition," she said.

The performances will be held in the auditorium on the Garden City High School campus, 2720 Buffalo Way Blvd. Tickets will be available at the door. Ticket prices will be $7 for adults and $5 for students.