More than 100 Eyer Middle School students this week will present an ambitious junior version of the Broadway stage classic "Guys and Dolls" 7 p.m. March 14 and 15 and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. March 16 in the school auditorium.

Co-directors Jennifer Najarian, communications teacher at the school, and Librarian Molly Magro said they are "incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by the amazingly talented students" who are involved as actors and stage crew for the production.

"As many of you know," Najarian said, "we are first-time directors, and to say we did not know what we'd be in for over the past four months would be an understatement."

"The end result, though, is something that all involved can be proud to share with our audience," Magro said. "Our cast and crew has taken an enormous amount of responsibility for this show."

Set in the environs of early 1950s New York City, "Guys and Dolls Jr." revolves around Nathan Detroit, a flashy gambler who is desperately trying to find a a place to host his weekly floating crap game.

All the usual spots are out, but he thankfully has guys like Nicely-Nicely Johnson and Benny Southstreet helping him make plans. The pressure is intense because of the presence of some famous high rollers in town, like the handsome smooth-talking Sky Masterson and the threatening, all-business Big Julie.

The guys are able to find a spot to host the game, but the owner wants $1,000,000. To get the cash, Detroit makes a bet with Masterson that Masterson can't take Sarah Brown, the leader of the local mission, out on a date.

Meanwhile, Detroit must hold off his fiancée of 14 years, Miss Adelaide, lead dancer at the Hot Box Club. Adelaide wants nothing more in life than for Detroit to finally marry her, settle down and quit gambling.

The stakes get higher when Masterson and Brown find themselves falling for each other. Detroit thinks he might actually have to marry Adelaide, and the local cop, Lt. Brannigan is hot on the trail of the gamblers.

After months of preparation, the only thing higher than the stakes in the script is the enthusiasm of the actors and crew. Support your students and enjoy a time at the theater – go see it.