“Good Night Oscar”

[rating=5] I remember the craziness of Oscar Levant! I remember him in movies and of course my very favorite album ( back in the day, we had LP’s also known as long plays) “Levant Plays Gershwin” where he did “An American In Paris”, “Rhapsody In Blue” and Concertioin F”. a masterpiece filled with music that I loved and played by a genius who transformed Gershwin’s music to his own special form. I bring this up because the Goodman Theatre is now presenting the World Premiere of Doug Wright’s “Good Night Oscar”.

The play is a look at one of the greats of musical history and I would venture to say that about half of the packed house in the Albert at the Goodman had no idea who they were learning about. Many came to see one of their favorite TV stars, Sean Hayes ( from “Will and Grace”) expecting a familiar character, but lo and behold, they were treated to one of the best theatrical experiences of the year! Sean Hayes, in this slick production directed to perfection by Lisa Peterson, becomes as close to Levant as anyone could ever. I couldn’t tell if he has put on a few pounds, or he was padded, but his appearance took on the look of Levant.

He also took on the mannerisms of the genius who had some mental problems. There are some who think it was that, which made him such a comedian. Levant was a hypochondriac, so for the most part when we saw him in public he was on some type of drug. He never held back on saying what was on his mind. This play is about a period in this man’s life and career. His wife, June ( deftly played by Emily Bergl) has had him committed. Jack Paar ( Ben Rappaport) the late night host of the 1950’s has invited Levant to appear on his “Tonight Show” in California ( New York is the base where the show is broadcast from). Paar loves having Levant on his show, for his wit and his open conversation as well as his magical piano playing.

Levant gets a four hour pass to leave the mental institute so that he can be a guest on this show. Bob Sarnoff (Peter Grosz) the head of NBC is there to make sure that all goes okay. They do send a nurse (Tramell Tillman) to attend to Levant and transport him as well. Ethan Slater handles the role of Max Weinbaum, the stage manager for the production on NBC and John Zdrojeski plays George Gershwin, or should I say the image of same that only is seen by Oscar Levant. Daniel Cantor completes the cast as the announcer and voiceover.

“Good Night Oscar” is an amazing vehicle for an actor like Hayes. He gets to show his comic “chops” ( something we are all used to), but in addition shows us his true skills as an actor. He becomes the character that he is bringing to the stage and is no longer Sean Hayes, the actor, but instead he is Sean Hayes showing us the artist Oscar Levant onstage and off. If you are only in a position to see one play this year, may I suggest you see this one. It is a story that includes some interesting facts about a musical legend and in fact some music as well.As part of the story, you true music lovers will love the fact that there is a bit of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” included. Again, one of my favorites.

This is a fast paced play coming in at less than two hours ( 90 minutes-no intermission). The set (Rachel Hauck) is sensational and transforms quickly keeping us glued to the non stop action. Emilio Sosa’s costumes are divine and the lighting ( Ben Stanton and Carolina Ortiz Herrera) and sound (Andre Pluess) are flawless. What we see as an audience is a special event that Paar’s audience will not forget. There are several surprises in this production and we have been asked not to give anything away. Seems that this is the way to get people back to the theater. The only thing I will tell you is that Hayes is wonderful and with this cast of players brings us an entertainment experience that might make you search for the recordings of “Levant Plays Gershwin” .I will be in my storage area tomorrow for the original. I am not sure, but maybe Alexa can bring it to your home as well.

The complex world of Oscar Levant brought to the stage by Doug Wright has already been extended and will now be at The Goodman Theatre through April 24th with performances as follows:

Wednesdays  7:30 p.m.

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  8 p.m.

Saturdays  2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sundays  2 p.m.

Tickets range from $25 and are available at the box office, by phone at 312-443-3800 or online at www.GoodmanTheatre.org/Oscar.

Enhanced and Accessible Performances

Touch Tour and Audio- described- Saturday April 9th 12:30 Touch Tour/2 p.m. performance

ASL-Interpreted: Friday, April 15th  8 p.m.

Open -Captioned  Saturday, April 16th 2 p.m.

Spanish Subtitles- Saturday, April 16th  8 p.m.

Discount parking is available at the garage on Dearborn- check out www.GoodmanTheatre.org for more info

The Goodman follows all the CDC rules on Covid- picture ID and vac card to enter and masks during the entire performance.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Good Night Oscar”.