Based on short stories by Damon Runyon, written in the 1920’s and 30’s, focuses on gangsters, gamblers and other characters of the New York underworld. The mix of the highly unique dialect of formal language and slang makes the book and the lyrics a joy for any listener. The show begins with a pantomime (named appropriately Runyonland) of the never-ceasing hustle and bustle of New York City and sets the tone for the rest of the musical.