Since it first premiered on Broadway more than 50 years ago, “Guys and Dolls” has been a popular musical. Several revivals have been presented, and it has been staged by thousands of companies around the world.

With great songs, witty dialogue and memorable characters, the play was a good choice for Chameleon Productions to choose for their fall presentation at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts in Arroyo Grande.

With an enthusiastic and supportive audience in attendance, the performers took the stage last weekend for the first of three weekends of shows.

As the guys and the dolls entered, wearing terrific costumes by Donna Sellars, they were able to feed off the crowd and jump right into the story.

Sarah Brown is a member of the Save a Soul Mission, and it is her goal to transform all the gamblers, crooks and dames on the streets of New York.

Played with sweet innocence by Kerry DiMaggio, Sarah runs across a series of characters — but is drawn to gambler Sky Masterson (played by Brady Beckstead).

In the other main storyline, showgirl Miss Adelaide is performed with gusto by Ashley Moses. Adelaide is trying to get her fiance of 14 years, Nathan Detroit (Chad Stevens), off the streets and into marriage.

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Detroit — trying to find a place for his big dice game — makes a bet with Masterson involving Sarah Brown, and the story rolls from there.

Moses is a standout as the frustrated Miss Adelaide, and gets to shine several times with two solo laments and a fun duet with Sarah Brown. Moses, with her strong and fun stage presence, steals every scene she is in.

Stevens, better known for his “Chad and Andy” radio show on Cat Country 96.1 FM, does a good job as the befuddled Detroit.

With a strong singing voice, Beckstead is a handsome Sky Masterson. His choice for a speaking voice was a little distracting, as he tries to channel a wiseguy persona that turns into more of a clich/, rather than the suave gambler he should be.

Beckstead and DiMaggio, however, have a nice chemistry when singing together.

DiMaggio’s singing is extremely strong, and her solos are outstanding.

In the supporting cast, Lester Wilson — as Nicely-Nicely Johnson — is able to stand out with one of the greatest show-stopping tunes of all time, “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” Wilson’s presentation of his character is entertaining enough to make up for a weaker singing voice. The song is also a great ensemble piece, and the choreography on that number is excellent.

Another fine ensemble number is “Luck Be a Lady,” in which choreographer Zach Johnson keeps things simple, yet energetic and fun to watch.

Set designer David Linfield does a nice job, and the opening set with lots of lighted signs is striking.

Of course, the music and lyrics by Frank Loesser have always been delightful, and the live orchestra directed by John Laird and conducted by Stephen Tosh handles the score well.

The book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, based on material from Damon Runyon, is sharp and witty, and is sometimes tough to deliver, but the cast does an adequate job.

Direction by Dana Shaheen allows the cast the freedom to have a good time. There were a few slow moments in the pacing during the first act, but things picked up well after the intermission.

In a very nice venue with a cast obviously enjoying themselves tremendously, “Guys and Dolls” is a good night out.

BOX OFFICE:

PERFORMANCES

“Guys And Dolls” performances begin at 8 p.m. Fridays, Nov. 7 and 14; and 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 8 and 15.

TICKETS

Tickets cost $26 and $29 and can be purchased online at boxoffice@clark center.org, by calling 489-9444 or at the box office. Hours are noon to

6 p.m. Monday to Friday, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. On the day of the show, the box office will open two hours before the curtain rises.

(Three stars out of five.)

bmemberto@santamariatimes.com