Rarely does community theater conform to professional standards. But Director Linda Blakely and her cast of 52 defied conventional wisdom Saturday night and delivered a high energy performance in ACTORS’ production of Guys and Dolls at Ames City Auditorium.

The performance opened with detailed choreography and vocal harmony fit for a professional touring production. I was certain I would miss something crucial if I glanced away for a moment.

Although the stage seemed crowded occasionally, Blakely corrected this by creatively using the side doors as an entryway. Unfortunately, this also made for some not-so-graceful entrances and exits. It was one of the few aspects of the evening that reminded me I was witnessing an amateur performance.

The New York street set was believable if not spectacular. However, Blakely masterfully utilized a black scrim for character insights and also used appropriate mood lighting throughout the show.

The use of pre-recorded music, while often frowned upon in musicals, worked well with the acoustics of the auditorium. Had the director chosen to use the orchestra pit to hold an orchestra, much of the performing space would have been lost. Art for art’s sake wasn’t necessary in this case, and Blakely chose correctly.

Another accurate decision was the casting. Professional actor Michael Cornelison was compelling and debonair as gambler Sky Masterson. His romantic interest, Sarah Brown, was faithfully and confidently played by Beth Shroeder. Unfortunately, Shroeder’s beautiful soprano voice was often lost in the vast auditorium.

Greg Millar was amusing as the weak and whiny Nathan Detroit. Equally amusing was his pairing with Victoria Van Voorhis as Miss Adelaide. Van Voorhis, an offbeat choice for this romantic lead, delivered her role with gusto and grace as never seen before. This surprising casting decision turned the show into an evening of considerable enjoyment.

Also enjoyable was the comedy team of Dean Stevens as Nicely-Nicely Johnson and Adam Simmons as the stylish and charismatic Rusty Charlie. Stevens and Simmons should consider working together professionally, so evident was their chemistry.

Jim Loos was a distinguished Arvide Abernathy. His beautiful tenor voice moved the audience to sympathy on “More I Cannot Wish You.”

The Hot-Box Dancers were well-trained and well-costumed as sensual 1950’s gyrating machines. I’m certain the men in the audience were particularly moved by their fan-kicks.

The decision to make Miss Adelaide more of an overseer of the voluptuous dancers and less of a performer worked well for this production. Van Voorhis presided over the hedonistic scene like an empress on her throne.

Blakely’s directing flair comes in the details. The added character to the town drunk, normally a simple side part, was fantastically played by Mike King.

The chorus was consistently spectacular in their scenes, both vocally and acrobatically. Their talent and choreographic precision was noticed most in “Havana” and “Rockin’ The Boat.” The realist in me kept waiting for the ensemble scenes to fall apart, but the intense and sweat-ridden rehearsals I had heard so much about paid off considerably come curtain time.

Three more performances of Guys and Dolls will be held at Ames City Auditorium. Curtain is at 8 p.m. on June 28 and 29. There will also be a Sunday matinee performance at 2 p.m. on June 30.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $11 for seniors and students. Tickets may be purchased at John Huber Clothier, 404 Main Street, or call 233-4948 and order using your credit card. For additional information, call ACTORS at 292-2078.