Frank Loesser - Guys and Dolls (John Wilson)

Information

Composer: Frank Loesser

• Guys and Dolls

Sierra Boggess; Nathaniel Hackmann

Louise Dearman; David Seadon-Young

Damian Humbley; Thomas Allen

Nadim Naaman; Lucca Chadwick-Patel

'Guys and Dolls' Ensemble

Sinfonia of London

John Wilson, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Chandos

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John Wilson and the Sinfonia of London continue their definitive Broadway recording series with Frank Loesser’s Tony Award-winning Guys and Dolls. Recreating the 1950 musical’s original opening-night sound, this recording utilizes a meticulous reconstruction of the lost original orchestrations by Larry Moore. Featuring Damon Runyon’s iconic New York underworld characters and signature dialect, the production is delivered by a star-studded cast and ensemble. Highlighting the lineup are Damien Humbley as Nicely-Nicely Johnson and legendary baritone Sir Thomas Allen, who came out of retirement for the role of Arvide Abernathy, ensuring an authentic, un-truncated, and historic performance.

American composer and lyricist Frank Loesser (1910–1969) was a defining voice of Broadway’s golden age, famed for his mastery of postwar urban vernacular and infectious melodies. After early success writing lyrics in Hollywood alongside collaborators like Hoagy Carmichael and Jule Styne, Loesser gained national prominence during World War II with patriotic hits like "Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition." He subsequently transitioned to musical theater, producing acclaimed works such as Where's Charley?, the Tony Award-winning Guys and Dolls, and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, which earned the 1962 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Loesser also achieved Academy Award-winning film success with enduring classics like "Baby, It's Cold Outside."