ACT ONE
We're introduced to the gamblers of New York City. Nathan Detroit
has to find a location to hold a craps (dice) game without the cops
knowing. There's a big game coming up and he needs five thousand
dollars to secure the Biltmore Garage. He bumps into old-time friend
and gambler Sky Masteron, who is famous for betting on just about
anything. Seeing a group of missionaries in the street, Nathan bets
him five thousand dollars he cannot take a particular missionary on
a date to Havana with him. Sky accepts.
The missionary is Sarah Brown, who is eager to do well, even
though the missionary building is under threat of closure. Sky enters
and they express their differing views on life and partners in
particular. He kisses her and she slaps him. He promises to deliver
a dozen genuine sinners if she'll go with him and leaves his marker.
She shuts it in a drawer and he leaves.
Nathan's long-time fiancée is performing at a local club. She's
written to her mother that they are married with children already. She
suspects Nathan's setting up a game but he assures her he's not,
and he leaves to set it up. She's got a terrible cold, and puts it down
to the overly long engagement.
