NRR Project: “Guys and Dolls”
Original Broadway cast recording
Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows; music and lyrics by
Frank Loesser
Recorded 1950
41 min.
It’s one of the greatest musicals in history, endlessly catchy in the song department. You should read Laurence Maslon’s excellent explanatory essay on it at the National Recording Registry.
To it I can only add that it’s a great show. It’s based on the short stories of journalist/writer Damon Runyon’s concerning tough Manhattan types, sentimental gangsters and easily shocked floozies, all gifted with a twisted English that’s a combination of street slang and a highfalutin’ sensibility of Baroque proportions. Their wordy adventures skirting the law are inherently funny, and the script largely due to comedy writer Abe Burrows cooks along. Frank Loesser’s lyrics and music are snappy and evocative.
Surprisingly, and unusually, the songs for the show were written first, and the play cohered around them, making for a strong and classic approach to crafting a long-lasting, award-winning creation such as this. Featuring Robert Aalda (Alan’s father), Stubby Kaye, Sam Levene, and Vivian Blaine. The score is still infectious. Give it a listen.
The National Recording Registry Project tracks one writer’s expedition through all the recordings in the National Recording Registry in chronological order. Next time: How I Got Over.
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