Guys & Dolls: 25 MORE Stellar Male-Female Duets from Broadway’s Golden Age

Written by Jackson Upperco

February 13, 2017

Looking for an opposite-sex duet from Broadway’s Golden Age – the years in between Oklahoma! (1943) and Hair (1967) – that HASN’T been overdone? Well, don’t worry: there’s no “People Will Say We’re In Love” or “Anything You Can Do” here. These 25 character-laden numbers below are sure to leave a more lasting impression on your audience – and allow you lots of fun in the process!

And after you check out these suggestions, don’t forget to revisit our first list of Golden Age duet suggestions here.

1. “Sailing At Midnight” from Sadie Thompson (1944)



A repentant hooker and her marine paramour plan to run off together – away from the sinister clergyman determined to reform her. Haunting, introspective.

2. “When The Children Are Asleep” from Carousel (1945)



A female millworker in 1870s Maine plans a happy future with her fisherman fiancé, Mr. Enoch Snow. Charming Rodgers and Hammerstein character piece.

Sheet music here.

3. “The Heather On The Hill” from Brigadoon (1947)



A New Yorker visits a mythical Scottish village and falls for one of the town’s young women, who’s preparing for her sister’s wedding. Gorgeous, romantic.

Sheet music here.

4. “I Remember It Well” from Love Life (1948)



In 1821, archetypes for the married American man and woman have different recollections of a joyous memory. Sweet, gently comedic – NOT the song from Gigi.

5. “It’s Delightful Down In Chile” from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1949)



A blonde with a sinister past flirts with a wealthy Englishmen in the hopes of securing a loan. Funny stuff for two goofballs; the ensemble parts are unnecessary.

Sheet music here.

6. “Catch Our Act At The Met” from Two On The Aisle (1951)



Two bawdy vaudevillians book an act at the Met playing characters from classic operas. Grand stuff for two clowns in the Golden Age mold.

7. “There Once Was A Man” from The Pajama Game (1954)



A man and woman on opposite sides of a pajama factory strike abandon their contentious relationship and admit to having feelings for each other. Rousing.

8. “Let’s Make It A Night” from Silk Stockings (1955)



During the Cold War, a Russian agent and a French broad plan to spend a night out in Gay Paree. Cut before opening; written as a quartet, but an ideal duet.

9. “Ethel, Baby” from Mr. Wonderful (1956)



The girlfriend of an unambitious nightclub singer is frustrated by the limits he places on himself. Written for Sammy Davis Jr., this is great for performers of color!

10. “I’m Past My Prime” from Li’l Abner (1956)



A small town teen concludes that the reason she hasn’t caught her crush’s eye is that she’s “past her prime”; a traveling preacher joins her lament. Smile-inducing.

11. .“If’n” from Happy Hunting (1956)



A young lawyer flirts with the daughter of a socialite outcast. Lite rock ‘n roll for a pair of slaphappy young kids – very ‘50s in sound!

12. “When I’m In A Quiet Mood” from Simply Heavenly (1957)



A maid rejects the advances of the watermelon seller who’s smitten with her. Lyrics by Langston Hughes – great for an African American duo.

13. “We’re Not Children” from Oh, Captain! (1958)



A woman ventures to Paris to find her philandering husband and meets up with an amorous Spaniard. Lighthearted seduction.

14. “Fragrant Flower” from First Impressions (1959)



In 1813 England, a man offers to marry his cousin’s feisty daughter – who does not like the idea at all. Hilarious – all she repeats in the song is “no.”

15. “I Would Die” from Take Me Along (1959)



A pair of teenagers in 1906 Connecticut couldn’t live without each other. The dopey, intoxicating air of young, uncomplicated, love – charming.

16. “An Ordinary Couple” from The Sound Of Music (1959)



An Austrian captain and an ex-nun decide to embark on a life together. This understated character song was replaced by a showier (less fitting) number in the film.

Sheet music here.

17. “They Were You” from The Fantasticks (1960)



Two formerly idealistic lovers reconcile after time apart – realizing that they’re all they’ve each ever wanted. Breathtaking – simple, but so wise.

Sheet music here.

18. “You’re A Liar” from Wildcat (1960)



A scheming tomboy with dreams of striking oil is called a liar by her love interest, a crew foreman whom she had falsely arrested. It’s comedic, of course.

19. “Stuck With Each Other” from Tovarich (1963)



The teenage kids of a rich Parisian family are bored and annoyed with each other. Bouncy, early ‘60s cuteness for two chums.

Sheet music here.

20. “Little Red Hat” from 110 In The Shade (1963)



The son of a rancher in the Southwestern U.S. recounts – at the 4th of July picnic – a romantic exploit with his girl. Boisterous, happiness abounding.

21. “To Be Alone With You” from Ben Franklin In Paris (1964)



Ben Franklin and his old Swedish flame find themselves trapped together in a hot air balloon over 1770s Paris. Oh, how divinely romantic!

22. “We’re Gonna Be All Right” from Do I Hear A Waltz? (1965)



A young married American couple vacationing in Venice try to ignore and deny the problems in their relationship. Sondheim sophistication.

23. “I’m The Bravest Individual” from Sweet Charity (1966)



A dance hall hostess (read: hooker) helps a shy tax accountant overcome a panic attack when they’re stuck in an elevator together. Neurotic vulnerability.

Sheet music here.

24. “Who Needs Her?” from Breakfast At Tiffany’s (1966)



A writer quarrels with one of his creations – a rambunctious call girl named Holly Golightly. From a failed musical adaptation of the classic film/novella.

25. “How Can You Kiss Those Good Times Goodbye?” from Sherry! (1967)



An egotistical critic and radio personality attempts to convince his dedicated secretary not to leave his side for a romance. Two characters with different goals.



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Jackson Upperco is a lover of retro television, forgotten Broadway musicals, and Pre-Code Hollywood. He boasts a Bachelors Degree in Film and Television from Boston University. You can keep up with all of his entertainment interests at jacksonupperco.com.