Broadway's Mr. Saturday Night will close September 4. Currently running at the Nederlander Theatre, the production will have played 28 previews and 116 performances when the curtain is lowered for the final time.
The musical, which opened April 27, is based on the 1992 film of the same name. Star Billy Crystal returned to the character of stand-up comedian Buddy Young, Jr., which he originated in the film. Crystal co-wrote, directed, and starred in the comedy about a borscht-belt comedian whose abrasive ego eclipses his success and alienates his family. Read reviews for the work here.
“Bringing Mr. Saturday Night to the Broadway stage and experiencing the laughter and tears this show generates has truly been one of the high points of my career,” said Crystal in a statement. “It has been a joyous experience to make my musical comedy debut at the age of 74, and I thank everyone involved: my co-writers Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel; director John Rando; our composer and lyricist, Jason Robert Brown and Amanda Green, and our music director David O; my vocal coach David Stroud; our choreographer Ellenore Scott; Scott Pask and our entire design team; our musicians and crew; the best producing partner you could ask for, Jimmy Nederlander; and the fantastic cast, each of whom I have great affection for and who made me so proud to act with every show. The character Buddy Young Jr. has been part of my life for many decades and I’m honored that I was able to share him with the audiences at the Nederlander Theatre.”
The musical also stars Tony winner Randy Graff, Oscar nominee David Paymer, Chasten Harmon, and Shoshana Bean. Rounding out the ensemble are Jordan Gelber, Brian Gonzales, and Mylinda Hull. The production was nominated for five Tony awards.
The project reunited Crystal with the film’s original co-authors, Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel, who adapted their original screenplay. Tony winner John Rando (Urinetown, On the Town) directs, with music direction by David O and choreography by Ellenore Scott.
The production features scenic design by Scott Pask, costume design by Paul Tazewell and Sky Switser, lighting design by Kenneth Posner, video and projection design by Jeff Sugg, sound design by Kai Harada, and hair and wig design by Charles LaPointe. The production stage manager is Tripp Phillips. Orchestrations and arrangements are by Brown.
Brian Gonzales, Chasten Harmon, Randy Graff, Billy Crystal, David Paymer, Shoshana Bean, Mylinda Hull, and Jordan Gelber
Billy Crystal
Billy Crystal
Billy Crystal and David Paymer
Shoshana Bean
Randy Graff and Billy Crystal
Billy Crystal and Shoshana Bean
Randy Graff
Billy Crystal and Chasten Harmon
Brian Gonzales, Mylinda Hull, Billy Crystal, and Jordan Gelber
Jordan Gelber, Brian Gonzales, and Billy Crystal
David Paymer
Chasten Harmon
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