For the first full episode of our new "Musical Mayhem" season, we watched the 1955 film Guys and Dolls. The gender expectations and relationship dynamics between the central two couples in this movie feel like they'd be right at home in today's modern "trad wife" resurgence as certain segments of society seek to backslide into authoritarianism. Even the series finale of the Sex and the City follow-up And Just Like That... portrays established, successful women post-middle age wringing their hands about whether a man will propose. Unsurprisingly, Guys and Dolls' thin handling of race and class leaves a lot to be desired. But, there's joy to be had in many of the song-and-dance numbers, especially "Pet Me Poppa" featuring Vivian Blaine as showgirl Adelaide.

Discussed in this episode:

• Tituss Burgess performing "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat" at the 2009 Tony Awards
• Carrie Coon talking about the training that sets theater performers apart in a time when arts programs are underfunded

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