John Mulaney’s swift return to the Broadway stage required no script-reading, just a simple “yes.” The acclaimed comedian and actor has once again graced Broadway, this time in “All In: Comedy About Love,” a captivating stage adaptation of short stories penned by his friend, Simon Rich. This production is not just charming audiences but is also solidifying John Mulaney Broadway presence as a significant draw for theatergoers.
Mulaney, who previously made his Broadway debut in 2016 with “Oh, Hello,” is joined by a stellar original cast including Renée Elise Goldsberry, Richard Kind, and Fred Armisen. The show’s unique appeal is further amplified by an upcoming rotating cast featuring names like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jimmy Fallon, Aidy Bryant, and many more comedy giants, ensuring a fresh and dynamic experience for repeat viewers and highlighting the enduring appeal of John Mulaney on Broadway.
“All In: Comedy About Love” ventures into the surreal and hilarious, opening with a whimsical tale of a bar with a miniature piano player and progressing through personal ads written from the perspective of dogs, a peculiar love triangle involving The Elephant Man, and even a comically anachronistic history report from the future. These meticulously crafted stories, as Mulaney describes them, are perfectly suited for the stage. “These are such meticulously, beautifully written pieces,” Mulaney remarks, emphasizing the joy of bringing Rich’s written word to life through performance. “Because they so naturally lend themselves to performing, it’s very fun to take it off the page.”
Director Alex Timbers initiated the project, recognizing the theatrical potential in Simon Rich’s short stories. Rich explains the selection process, “Our first reading was 4 1/2 hours long so it took some process of elimination, but we eventually found a batch of stories that we felt were not just thematically linked, but would lend themselves to powerful performances by talented actors.” The focus then shifted to the presentation – deciding on the number of actors, the scale of production for the 90-minute play, and whether to incorporate elaborate costumes and sets.
The creative team opted for a minimalist approach, featuring just four actors, which not only emphasizes their acting versatility but also fosters a more intimate connection with the audience. Adding to the show’s charm are original illustrations by New Yorker cartoonist Emily Flake and musical interludes of love songs from The Magnetic Fields’ catalog, performed by the band The Bengsons. Mulaney aptly describes this streamlined approach as “mainlining the material,” prioritizing the direct and undiluted communication of the stories to the audience.
Two stories within “All In” resonate particularly with themes of children and parenting – a topic both Rich and Mulaney now personally experience. Mulaney, reflecting on his life changes, jokes about how his experiences as a “touring, stand-up comedian, ‘Saturday Night Live’-writing, complete night owl, Dracula-like creature who now has two kids and lives in the California suburbs,” have enriched his performance and understanding of the material.
The planned rotation of cast members underscores the adaptability of the production. With the actors seated throughout the performance and scripts readily available, the structure is designed to accommodate diverse talents. Mulaney believes in the strength of the writing, stating, “So many people can find a way into these stories that I am sure anyone coming in to do any of these pieces will be able to bring themselves to it and rise to the occasion of how good the writing is.”
Rich highlights the exciting prospect of not just new individual performances but also “new pairings” among the rotating cast, anticipating how these shifting dynamics will further enhance the storytelling, especially in scenes between two actors. The production is also attracting a notably younger demographic to the Hudson Theatre, a promising sign for the future of Broadway. Both Rich and Mulaney express hope that “All In” will convert comedy fans into theater enthusiasts, expanding the audience for Broadway and ensuring that John Mulaney Broadway shows continue to draw diverse crowds. “We hope that comedy fans will enjoy this experience and that it’ll help convert them into theater fans and maybe they’ll see this show and want to check out more,” Rich concludes, optimistic about the show’s broader impact.
