Simply delicious, delightful and timely. Each member of the seven person onstage cast and its two voiceover actors connected in perfectly parsed repartee that captured the FRESH essence of Doug Wright's play as directed by Lisa Peterson. And what a pianist in Sean Hayes who gave us a concert, comedy, and acting all in one show. Theatre needs more original plays such as " Good Night, Oscar" rather than the stereotypical revivals. The lights on Broadway are destined to present "Good Night, Oscar" with numerous Tony's. And for those of us here in Chicago we can say we saw it first. Kudos. Kudos. Kudos.

Was just a wonderful experience. Sean Hayes and the rest of the cast were excellent. It was funny and sad at the same time. Highly recommend this play.

Huge Sean Hayes fan forever, and expected to enjoy seeing him live. Never expected to be blown away by his acting, the entire cast. Everyone is stellar. I also knew Sean was a trained pianist, but to hear him live….Wow! Go See It!

Just astonishing. Saw it twice in previews and it was even better the second time. It should go to Broadway and Mr. Hayes should get the Best Actor Tony. Trust me, there wouldn't be any competition.

People of a certain age (old) remember Oscar Levant as the acerbic side-kick in movie musicals, the quick-witted panel member on TV game shows, and the concert pianist know for interpreting the music of George Gershwin (Levant’s contemporary who died in 1937 at age 38). As he aged and waxed and waned in popularity, his mental illness became his trademark. He had pronounced tics, shaking hands, a wobbly walk. He was addicted to cigarettes, alcohol, and prescription drugs. During his lifetime, and still today, there is no cure for schizophrenia. The drugs, though producing a calming effect in the mind, debilitated the body. He was a mess, but a polymath with a brilliant mind and an amazing wit. Jack Parr was the TV late night star personality on NBC in the early 60s. The play is based on Parr’s exploitation of Levant’s “off the rails” persona to grab ratings. It’s one Tonight Show, from LA, an admirable constraint for the roller-coaster of events on stage. Levant is released on a four-hour pass from Mt. Sinai Mental Health Center to his wife’s care, accompanied by a hospital aide carrying a medical bag of emergency drugs. And the action begins… Sean Hayes (Oscar Levant) has left behind his various TV characters—he is Levant. Brilliant performance. Emily Bergt (June Levant) embodies the loving, hating, frustrated wife. Her costume by Annie Le is stunning—early 60s Dior at its best. Peter Grosz (Bob Sarnoff, head of NBC) is sufficiently snide and menacing as he tries to control Parr and later Levant. Ben Rappaport (Jack Parr) is a conniving, undermining buddy to Levant, but could add depth to the character by using more of Parr’s physical mannerisms and vocal pattern. Ethan Slater (Max Weinbaum) is a perfect suck-up fan boy to Levant as he preps guests for Parr’s show. Tramell Tillman (Alvin Finney, the hospital aide) plays it straight, challenged but not overwhelmed by his manic charge. John Zdrojeski (George Gershwin) looks like a much handsomer Hugh Hefner slinking around in a silk dressing gown. He shows no empathy to Levant’s problems—because he is a schizophrenic apparition. We saw the fifth preview of this premier production. It was polished, though much will be tightened as it inevitably goes to Broadway. The crown jewel of the performances is Hayes playing a totally manic version of Rhapsody in Blue. Yes, folks, he is actually playing it. Show-stopping. See Good Night, Oscar if you can get a ticket. annboland.com/blog

We were fortunate to see the first night of previews for Good Night, Oscar. Sean Hayes is unrecognizable, but for his quick wit, as he impeccably plays and embodies Oscar Levant. His supporting cast shines just as bright (special shout out to the actor who plays Jack Paar). The play write, Doug Wright, has written a comedy and tragedy in one play. You will not only be riveted to the story line but you will laugh out loud at the one-liners sprinkled throughout. Spoiler alert: In the final act, Sean Hayes performs a famous Gershwin hit - you are transported. So much so, you will wonder if you are at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra vs. The Goodman Theater. This play is Broadway bound. Go see it while you can. Best night I have had at the theater in a very long time.