Guys and Dolls

Guys and Dolls
Name	Guys and Dolls
Music	Frank Loesser
Lyrics	Frank Loesser
Book	Joa Swerling, Abe Burrows
Basis	"The Idyll of Miss Sarah Brown" and other stories by Damon Runyon
Productions	1950 Broadway
Awards	Tony Award for Best Musical

Guys and Dolls. A musical fable of Broadway, it is one of the most celebrated works of the American stage. With music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and a book by Joa Swerling and Abe Burrows, the show is based on the colorful, larger-than-life characters from the stories of Damon Runyon. Premiering in 1950, it won the Tony Award for Best Musical and has become a cornerstone of the theatrical canon, renowned for its witty dialogue, unforgettable score, and vibrant depiction of New York City's gamblers and missionaries.

Background and creation

The musical's origins lie in the distinctive short stories of Damon Runyon, particularly "The Idyll of Miss Sarah Brown." Producer Cy Feuer acquired the rights and, with partner Ernest H. Martin, enlisted Frank Loesser to compose. Initial book drafts by Joa Swerling proved problematic, leading to the hiring of Abe Burrows, who extensively rewrote the script with a focus on character and comedic timing. The creative team, including director George S. Kaufman, shaped the material during a tryout in Philadelphia before its New York City premiere. The collaboration between Abe Burrows and Frank Loesser proved exceptionally fruitful, resulting in a seamless integration of story and song that captured the unique vernacular of Runyonesque characters.

Plot summary

The plot intertwines the stories of two romantic couples against the backdrop of the New York City underworld. High-stakes gambler Sky Masterson makes a bet with fellow gambler Nathan Detroit that he can woo the straitlaced Sergeant Sarah Brown of the Save-A-Soul Mission. Meanwhile, Nathan Detroit, perpetually engaged to nightclub singer Miss Adelaide, is desperately seeking a location for his infamous floating crap game, evading the persistent Lieutenant Brannigan of the New York Police Department. The action moves from Times Square to a climactic game in the sewers of New York City, culminating in romantic resolutions and a revival meeting for the gamblers at the mission.

Musical numbers

The score by Frank Loesser is a masterpiece of musical theatre, featuring a blend of brassy Broadway numbers and tender ballads. Iconic songs include the opening gamblers' ode "Fugue for Tinhorns," the romantic "I'll Know," and the exuberant "Luck Be a Lady." Miss Adelaide's comic lament "Adelaide's Lament" and the show-stopping "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat," led by Nicely-Nicely Johnson, are highlights. Other key numbers are the bustling "Runyonland" overture, the romantic duet "I've Never Been in Love Before," and the energetic "Guys and Dolls (Reprise)." The music perfectly captures the spirit of Damon Runyon's world.

Characters

The central characters are defined by their vibrant, Runyonesque personalities. Sky Masterson is a confident, worldly gambler who undergoes a transformation. Sergeant Sarah Brown is the dedicated but vulnerable leader of the Save-A-Soul Mission. Nathan Detroit is the harried, charming organizer of "the oldest established permanent floating crap game in New York City." His long-suffering fiancée, Miss Adelaide, is a performer at the Hot Box nightclub. The supporting cast of gamblers includes the jovial Nicely-Nicely Johnson, the loyal Benny Southstreet, and the menacing Big Jule from Chicago. Authority figures like Lieutenant Brannigan and mission elder Arvide Abernathy provide contrast.

Productions and reception

The original Broadway production opened at the 46th Street Theatre on November 24, 1950, directed by George S. Kaufman. The cast featured Robert Alda as Sky Masterson, Sam Levene as Nathan Detroit, Isabel Bigley as Sarah Brown, and Vivian Blaine as Miss Adelaide. It was an immediate critical and commercial success, running for 1,200 performances and winning the Tony Award for Best Musical. Major revivals include the acclaimed 1976 production at the Broadway Theatre starring Robert Guillaume and the 1992 revival at the Martin Beck Theatre which won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. It remains a staple of regional, community, and school theatres worldwide.

Adaptations

The musical was adapted into a successful 1955 MGM film directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, starring Marlon Brando as Sky Masterson, Frank Sinatra as Nathan Detroit, Jean Simmons as Sarah Brown, and Vivian Blaine reprising her role as Miss Adelaide. A 1955 television adaptation on Producers' Showcase featured much of the original Broadway cast. There have been numerous international productions, including notable stagings in the West End at the National Theatre and the Piccadilly Theatre. The property has also inspired a proposed film remake from directors like Michael Grandage and TriStar Pictures.

Category:American musicals