Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (play)

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is a musical comedy play with a book by Anita Loos and Joseph Fields, based on Loos's 1925 novel of the same name. The musical premiered on Broadway in 1949, starring Carol Channing as Lorelei Lee.

The plot centers on Lorelei Lee, a blonde flapper from Little Rock, Arkansas, and her friend Dorothy Shaw, as they embark on a trip to Europe. Lorelei is engaged to Gus Esmond, a wealthy but socially awkward man, and her primary goal is to improve her financial prospects through marriage. She believes that "diamonds are a girl's best friend." Dorothy, on the other hand, is more interested in romance and finding true love.

Throughout their journey, Lorelei's charm and beauty attract the attention of numerous wealthy men, leading to humorous and often scandalous situations. A suspicious Esmond hires a private detective to follow Lorelei, adding to the comedic complications. Dorothy attempts to keep Lorelei out of trouble while pursuing her own romantic interests.

The play is known for its witty dialogue, catchy songs (including "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" and "Bye Bye Baby"), and its satirical portrayal of wealth, social status, and gender roles in the Roaring Twenties. The success of the Broadway production spawned a film adaptation in 1953 starring Marilyn Monroe as Lorelei Lee.