Take a classic Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. Add a mix of equity actors with some local talent. Create dazzling sets enhanced by great lighting. Top it all off with a director/choreographer (Russell Garrett) who knows how to put it all together.

What’s the result?

One fabulous evening of entertainment right in our own backyard at the Ocean State Theatre Company.

“Guys and Dolls,” based on Damon Runyon characters, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, has been around for a long time. It was a popular movie starring Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando.

Artistic Director Amiee Turner was surprised at how many people have told her that they have never seen the show.

If you have never seen “Guys and Dolls,” here’s your chance to see how the classic Broadway musical was put together, complete with memorable songs that are still being recorded and sung today. If you have seen it, you will enjoy a fresh look at the old chestnut. Sure, some of the humor is corny and dated, and there are stereotypes galore, but all that adds to the fun and enjoyment of live theatre.

The script gives you two unlikely love stories. The first involves Nathan Detroit (Kevin B. McGlynn), a compulsive gambler searching for a location to run his floating crap game, and Miss Adelaide (Katie Clark), his ditzy blonde fiancée of 14 years. The second is between equally compulsive gambler Sky Masterson (Tom Andrew) and Sarah Brown (Rochelle Weinrauch), the head of a Salvation Army mission.

With a loose theme about whether or not people can change, both women have themselves a big challenge with their men who need to be “taken in for alterations.” It’s a fun story, loaded with interesting characters with, of course, a happy ending that will send you out humming such old favorites as “I’ll Know When My Love Comes Along,” “If I Were a Bell” and “Luck Be a Lady Tonight.”

We met Katie Clark, who brought the house down as Miss Adelaide, with her high-pitched voice, bleached blonde hair and spastic movements. The lovely, soft-spoken brunette was unrecognizable…a tribute to her acting ability.

On the other hand, there was our favorite comedian, Frank O’Donnell, larger than life, playing the larger than life Big Jule. He had far fewer lines than most of the characters, but he made every one count. Just his presence on stage drew chuckles.

“Guys and Dolls” grabs you from the opening street scene, sustains you through some superbly choreographed dance numbers, holds your interest with the storyline, has you humming the tunes, and leaves you with a powerhouse finale.

At Ocean State Theatre Company, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, through July 27. Tickets are $39-$54. Call 921-6800 for reservations.