The Petulant Prodigy

Good Night, Oscar – Goodman Theatre

Oscar Levant was an incredible man. He had an encyclopedic mind. His knowledge about classical music, baseball, films and books was astounding. Levant’s mind was always going a hundred miles an hour. He was forever multitasking before the word was even coined. He was unbelievably witty and unexpected jokes and hilarious observations just tumbled out of his mouth. Oscar Levant was extremely surly and cynical. Although he suffered from excessive stage fright, Levant was a genius at the piano. During the 1940’s Oscar Levant was the highest paid and most temperamental classical musician in America. He was, quite simply, a petulant prodigy.

And America simply loved him. Because of his extensive scholarly proficiency, Levant was the perfect guest on radio and television quiz shows that were so popular during the 1940’s and 50’s. His jokes, commentary and comebacks made audiences laugh nonstop, and he was a popular guest on talk shows, such as “The Tonight Show,” with Jack Paar. But Oscar Levant’s unsurpassed talent as a concert pianist made him a star. He appeared in several classic movie musicals, playing characters based on himself. He was in thirteen motion pictures, including “An American in Paris,” “The Band Wagon” and “The Barkleys of Broadway,” to name just a few.

But Oscar Levant was a man in constant pain. Although the gifted genius achieved great success as a concert pianist, Broadway conductor, composer, best-selling author, comedian, movie and TV star and, as a friend of George Gershwin, became the primary interpreter of that composer’s music and even earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Levant was forever haunted by feelings of inferiority. Raised by a stern father and a mother who never were satisfied with Oscar’s accomplishments and talents, Levant always believed he was a failure. His inferiority complex grew and took over his emotional life. Because he could only focus on his small mistakes, Levant developed massive mental health problems. He turned to coffee, cigarettes and massive amounts of drugs and become known for his quirkiness, physical tics and neuroses. Married twice, his second wife, June Levant, eventually had Oscar committed.

Doug Wright’s highly entertaining and thoroughly enlightening one-act about this tortured Jewish genius is a must-see production. The script will introduce this self-deprecating man of many talents to younger audiences, while it will remind baby boomers of the twitchy comedian at the piano who brought laughs to us during the 1950’s. But it’s the incredible portrayal of the man by actor Sean Hayes that will astound everyone. Known primarily for his Emmy Award-winning portrayal of Jack McFarland on television’s “Will & Grace,” Mr. Hayes has appeared on Broadway in “An Act of God,” and earned a Tony nomination for his leading role in the musical,  “Promises, Promises.” But audiences will be in awe of the masterclass of talent this actor brings to this role. He has recreated the man who was Oscar Levant, and his performance is definitely award-worthy. Not only drop dead hilarious, Hayes’ performance is so energetic and moving that audiences find themselves laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next.

The production is filled with terrific supporting performances. New York actor Ben Rappaport is excellent as Jack Paar. Peter Grosz makes a very good antagonist as Bob Sarnoff, the ratings conscious head of NBC. Emily Bergl, who was seen on Broadway in “The Ferryman” and on television in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” is stalwart, protective and loving as June Levant. Big Apple actor Tramell Tillman does a great job as Alvin Finney, Levant’s cautious medical guardian from the mental hospital. Talented musical theatre actor Ethan Slater, remembered for his brilliant Broadway performances in “SpongeBob Squarepants” and, more recently, “Assassins,” is so likable and relatable as Max Weinbaum, the backstage assistant to Paar and Sarnoff. And the frequent, unexpected appearance of the ghost of George Gershwin, Levant’s longtime friend and peer, offers a pleasant look at another musical genius who shared Oscar’s life. He’s portrayed with class and charisma by handsome John Zdrojeski, another New York actor making his Goodman debut.

The production is perfectly directed by two-time Obie Award-winner Lisa Peterson. An incredibly stylish and realistic scenic design by Rachel Hauck brings the 50’s to life, as do Emilio Sosa’s period-perfect costumes and J. Jared Janas’ hair, wigs and makeup work. 

This production will delight and surprise audiences, from Sean Hayes’ electric portrayal of Oscar Levant to the polished performances by the talented supporting cast. Doug Wright’s play brings this genius to life once again and Chicago audiences will be raving about this production for years to come. Do not miss this show!     

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented March 21-April 24 by the Goodman Theatre in the Albert Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago. 

Tickets are available in person at the Goodman Theatre box office, by calling 312.443.3800, or by going to www.GoodmanTheatre.org/Oscar.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.