The Kelly Critics is a joint program of the Post-Gazette and Pittsburgh CLO in which students of high schools entered in this year's Gene Kelly Awards review other school's musicals.

"Guys and Dolls" is a tale of two loves: the love of craps and the love of a doll, or a lady. The show begins with the oldest established permanent crap game in jeopardy. No place in New York City will let them play craps. In order to have a place to play, Nathan Detroit needs money. He bets Sky Masterson $1,000 that the next girl he sees will go to Havana with him. What Sky doesn't realize is that he might end up falling madly in love with someone completely his opposite.

The actors and actresses portraying the many unique characters were brilliant, making you feel as though you were really in New York City. I was blown away by how well the high school students could manipulate their voices in speech and song to make themselves seem like true New Yorkers. No matter what character was on stage, they all were able to do this. The few who exemplified this in the greatest way would have to be Nathan Detroit and Adelaide.

The scenery was another crucial part of the show that added to the effect of being in New York. Looking at it quickly, it might seem simple, but that is why it helped you get into the play. The back drop of New York City nightlife allowed you to focus on the action on stage, rather than wondering what new scenery would be brought on next. The scenery never drew you away from the actual play.

Also, costumes fit the era in which the play takes place. It was truly like old time New York, with all the men dressed up in suits, ties and even hats. The hot box dolls wore the flashy looking, short dancing outfits. You really felt like you were in the past.

The one thing I would say was awkward would be when Sky Masterson was trying to hold up his end of the bargain, by bringing twelve sinners to his love's revival meeting. He did this by going down to the craps game and playing once to win their souls. Sky winning the sinners was a real quick scene, though in reality, it was actually very important.

Overall, I and the audience loved "Guys and Dolls." Even as you walked in before it started, you could hear the buzz of the audience and see what the play was going to be about. There were pictures along the side wall that gave you a quick preview. In addition, the audience was bopping along to the music. You could see in the audience's faces that they all thoroughly enjoyed themselves and wished the play would go on forever.