FRANK Loesser’s classic musical, based on Damon Runyon’s Broadway stories, is an upbeat story of New York crapshooters and the missionaries trying to reform them.

It’s also an enormously challenging show to stage, and director Harry Williams with the hardworking students of SMuTS give it their all.

The American accents are strong, and musical director Scott Sheridan and vocal coach Edwin Armitage do well to bring out the singers and the live band.

The three choreographers’ challenging dance routines are perhaps ambitious for the small Sallis Benney stage, but the bustling, brawling Havana scene featuring the entire company is full of drama.

Martin Joyce as Sky Masterson sang valiantly despite microphone problems and lighting difficulties.

“Famous fiancee” Miss Adelaide (Caitlin Wilson) and likeable hustler Nathan Detroit (Theo Lloyd-Hughes) make an appealing and believable couple with some of the wittiest lines, while Molly Berenhaus as missionary Sarah Brown is delightfully unpredictable as she finally lets down her hair on If I Were A Bell.

As the show unfolded, the cast’s energy levels and confidence grew. Any fans of such irresistible songs as Luck, Be A Lady Tonight and the exuberant set-piece Sit Down, You’re Rocking The Boat will appreciate this production.