It’s not every day you have to spend hours searching for newly released casino online games to gamble on. Sometimes, you can spend hours watching a play that relates to your interest. Gambling finds its way into several entertainment genres, from video games and TV shows to music and books. But theatre heightens the experience, thrusting you into a different time and place with compelling narratives.
With a musical, you’ll enjoy song, dance, and drama! We’ve compiled five top musicals that relate to the gambling scene. Let’s take you on a trip to the 20th century, when Elvis and Frank were the stars of the show.
Guys and Dolls (1950)
This award-winning Broadway musical is set in the crowded streets of New York City, which is properly depicted with designs of neon signs and a dimly lit nightclub for the set. Inspired by Damon Runyon’s short stories, the storyline follows illicit gambling in the city’s underground.
When the band leader at the Save-a-Soul missionary, Sarah Brown, resigns to her fate — a lack of sinners for the mission to save — she accepts to go to dinner with Sky Masterson in exchange for sinners. Unbeknownst to Sarah, Sky has made a $1,000 bet on this date with Nathan Detroit, who seeks money to host a floating craps game in Joey Biltmore’s garage. The show’s lyrics and music were written by famous composer, Frank Loesser, popular for select songs from Guys and Dolls — Luck Be a Lady and A Bushel and a Peck. Playwrights, Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling also co-wrote the musical.
A Streetcar Named Desire (1947)
While not directly related to casino gambling, the drama in this show is linked to the poker scenes within it. The story unfolds with a focus on a married couple — Stella and Stanley — and the wife’s sister — Blanche DuBois. This formerly prosperous Southern Belle, Blanche, is the story’s highlight as she meddles in her brother-in-law’s hedonistic lifestyle. Stanley is fond of drinking, sex, and poker, a game that shows his dominance over his friends.
Blanche meets Mitch, Stanley’s poker buddy, and the drama continues with the two finding and losing each other. The luck and gamble in Blanche’s life are also a huge focus, as she navigates the stigma of sexual relations with her underage student. Written by playwright Tennessee Williams, A Streetcar Named Desire earned the Pulitzer Prize in 1947. The Broadway play was adapted into a movie in 1951 and continues to be studied by fans and drama students alike.
The Odd Couple (1965)
Although set in the comedy genre, the Odd Couple heavily represents gambling with its poker scenes. Written by award-winning playwright and screenwriter, Neil Simon, this Broadway show follows two friends who are opposites. Felix Ungar, a neat freak and news writer, moves in with his friend — Oscar Madison, an unruly sportswriter — after his wife kicks him out. The story follows both characters navigating their new living situation.
Before long, Felix’s more organized style interrupts Oscar’s gambling and scruffy lifestyle. The weekly poker game Oscar hosts become a factor that strengthens their relationship. The Odd Couple’s film adaption, starring Walter Matthau and Jack Lemon, dropped in 1968 and maybe the more popular of the two renditions.
Monte Carlo (1930)
Countess Helene Mara is the star of this Broadway musical written by Ernest Vajda, Booth Tarkington, and Hans Müller. On her wedding day, the noblewoman flees from her groom — Duke Otto Von Seibenheim — and seeks refuge at the casino of Monte Carlo. In her quest to improve her financial burden, she runs into Count Rudolph Farriere, who instantly falls in love with her. To capture her attention, the Count disguises himself as a hairdresser.
Now, Helene must choose between financial stability and true love while enjoying her casino holiday. Ernst Lubitsch directs this musical that shows the differences in social classes with a mix of romance and humour.
Meet Me In Las Vegas (1956)
Directed by Roy Rowland, this production centres around gambling and romance. The story is about Chuck Rodwell — an unlucky gambler who strongly believed in luck and omens — and Maria Corvier — an enchanting ballet dancer. After the two meet in Las Vegas due to the most unlikely incidents, Chuck believes they are both destined to fall in love, pushed together by Lady Luck, while Maria thinks the opposite. The show takes us through their differences — a hustler and a hard worker — the true Las Vegas spirit.
High Stakes, High Fun
The casino experience lurks around us, in the movies and music we enjoy — even Broadway isn’t exempted. Take some time to explore these musicals we’ve brought to your attention. Each packs an immersive storyline with drama and some lessons to be learned. Lose yourself in the music and the play, and have fun gambling — or not.
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