Gangsters, gamblers and small-time “Runyonland” hustlers will overrun Sumner High School’s Performing Arts Center this weekend.

Bonney Lake High School’s drama department begins its production of musical “Guys and Dolls” Friday at 7 p.m. Repeat shows will play at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

The show’s plot — based on the short fiction of Damon Runyon, an author known for placing a sentimental lens over New York’s criminal element — follows the fallout of a bet between gamblers Sky Masterson (Michael Scribner) and Nathan Detroit (Joseph Drummond). Detroit — in need of $1,000 to rent space for his floating illegal craps game — bets Masterson he can’t convince pious Bible thumper Sergeant Sarah Brown (Kaylee Pettie) to have dinner with him in Havana, Cuba. As Masterson insinuates himself into Brown’s life, the mismatched pair develop sincere love. Meanwhile, Detroit repeatedly tries — and eventually fails — to dodge the marital demands of nightclub performer and 14-year fiancee Miss Adelaide (Sabrina LaGasse).

“Guys and Dolls” is the first drama production for Pettie, a senior and longtime singer with the Panther chamber choir.

“As a sophomore I auditioned and didn’t make it,” Pettie said in between scenes at a recent tech rehearsal. “(But coming on now) has been very interesting. It’s helped me reveal a new person beside myself.”

The experience has her hooked: “I absolutely love it,” she said. “I don’t think I’ll go back.”

More than 30 Panther actors comprise the musical cast, and students Cecilia Rivera, Vada Johnson, Matt Stullick and Cody Hahn are on stage crew.

The show is directed by Drama teacher Brenda Williams and musically directed by choir teacher Amy Fuller. Assistant Director Linda Walrath is managing stage crew and Travis Mills is directing the pit band.

The price of admission is $12 for adults and $8 for students, children and senior citizens older than 60. Tickets will be available for sale starting one hour before each showing.