Guys and Dolls is a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and a book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, based on characters and stories by Damon Runyon. It pairs gambler Sky Masterson with mission worker Sarah Brown, alongside Nathan Detroit and Miss Adelaide.
The original Broadway production opened in 1950 and became a major hit. Readers can encounter the show through its original cast recording, a separate 1955 film adaptation, or a licensed stage production.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Guys and Dolls | $9.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![Guys and Dolls (1955) [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51o3g8x4HfL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Guys and Dolls (1955) [DVD] | $14.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Guys and Dolls (DVD) | $10.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Guys & Dolls (Widescreen Deluxe Edition) | $9.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Guys and Dolls (Decades Collection with CD) | $11.37 | Buy on Amazon |
What is Guys and Dolls about?
The musical follows two romantic pairings in a comic New York setting: Sky Masterson and Sarah Brown, and Nathan Detroit and his longtime fiancée, Miss Adelaide. Its score includes well-known numbers such as “Luck Be a Lady,” “Adelaide’s Lament,” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.”
Broadway origins and success
Guys and Dolls opened at the 46th Street Theatre on November 24, 1950. George S. Kaufman directed the original production, and Michael Kidd choreographed it. The Library of Congress reports that it ran for 1,194 performances and won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
The original Broadway cast album is a separate historical recording: according to the Library of Congress National Recording Preservation Board, it was recorded on December 3, 1950, and released by Decca on January 8, 1951.
Original cast recording or 1955 film?
| Option | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Original Broadway cast recording | A recording of the original stage production’s score, recorded in 1950 and released in 1951. | Listening to the original cast and score. |
| 1955 film | A screen adaptation cataloged by the American Film Institute, with its own production history. | Seeing a film version of the story. |
The film is an adaptation, not the Broadway production itself; cast and song choices can differ. Check current editions and availability before buying or streaming either version.
Rank #2
Putting on a production
Music Theatre International maintains the official licensing page and production resources for the show. Educators, community theatres, and production teams should consult MTI directly for current licensing requirements, materials, and terms.
- Visit the show’s official MTI page.
- Review the production resources and licensing information for your intended use.
- Confirm current availability and terms directly with MTI before planning a performance.
FAQ
Who wrote Guys and Dolls?
Frank Loesser wrote the music and lyrics. Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows wrote the book, based on Damon Runyon stories and characters.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
When did Guys and Dolls open on Broadway?
The original Broadway production opened on November 24, 1950, at the 46th Street Theatre.
How long did the original Broadway production run?
The Library of Congress reports 1,194 performances and five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Is the 1955 movie the original Broadway production?
No. It is a separate film adaptation of the stage musical, with its own production record.
Where can a theatre get performance rights?
Music Theatre International provides the show’s licensing page and production resources. Check its official page for current requirements and terms.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
