As many of our supporters know, Damon Runyon was an iconic sportswriter and journalist whose colorful stories served as the basis for the Broadway hit Guys and Dolls. The Foundation has preserved this connection with the theater throughout its 75-year history, primarily through our long-running Broadway ticket program.

In keeping with this tradition, Damon Runyon partnered with The Actors Company Theatre in 2018, when the company produced “Three Wise Guys,” a play by Scott Alan Evans and Jeffrey Couchman based on two Damon Runyon Christmas stories. A portion of the proceeds from that evening were donated to support our scientists.

Excitingly, the writers have now adapted the play for a podcast produced by HEAR PLAY Audio Theatre.

Set on Christmas Eve 1932, this comedy follows three New York guys, each preoccupied with his own particular problems and not especially fond of the season, who find themselves in Good Time Charley’s speakeasy on West 46th Street. As the bootleg liquor flows, the guys agree to band together and take to the road to avoid all the hubbub of the holiday. Besides, notorious racketeer Heine Schmitz is after them, and they have to get out of town fast. Over one long life-changing night, they make some big decisions while inadvertently spreading holiday cheer around and about to one and all everywhere they go.

Anyone looking to familiarize themselves with our namesake’s distinctive style need look no further.

All three episodes are available here.