Sean Hayes On "Good Night, Oscar"

Ladies and gentlemen, let's take a whirlwind trip to the dazzling world of Broadway, where the lights shine brighter, the emotions run deeper, and the tales are told with fervor and fire. In this theatrical realm, we find the talented and versatile actor, Sean Hayes. But he's not just any actor; he's a man on a mission to bring back to life the enigmatic Oscar Levant, and he's doing it with all the style, humor, and panache you could ever hope for.

A Tale of Two Pianos: Oscar Levant and Sean Hayes

Picture this: two men, separated by nearly half a century, who share an unusual but intriguing bond. Oscar Levant, a multifaceted maverick from the 1930s to the 1950s, was a movie star, composer, conductor, and concert pianist. He was famous not just for his musical prowess but also for his brilliant one-liners. One cannot help but chuckle at his response to the question, "What do you do for exercise?" Levant's retort: "I stumble and then I fall into a coma."

Fast forward to the 21st century, and enter Sean Hayes. For eleven seasons, he made us roll in the aisles with his portrayal of Jack McFarlane on "Will and Grace." Jack McFarlane was hilariously self-absorbed, a character that left an indelible mark on our hearts.

The Grand Revival: "Good Night Oscar"

And now, the grand revelation: Sean Hayes has taken to the Broadway stage, not as the beloved Jack McFarlane but as the legendary Oscar Levant in a new play titled "Good Night Oscar." The play delves deep into Levant's life, offering a raw and unflinching look at his struggles with drug addiction and mental health issues.

In a world where Levant was unapologetically honest about his demons, the play resonates, not just with its humor, but with a stark portrayal of a man wrestling with his own shadows. Playwright Doug Wright, a Pulitzer Prize winner, has masterfully crafted a narrative that both celebrates Levant's humor and confronts the darkness that enveloped him.

The Transformation: Sean Hayes as Oscar Levant

Now, let's talk casting. When it was first suggested that Sean Hayes would play Oscar Levant, some skeptics scratched their heads. They couldn't see the physical resemblance between the two. However, in a Hollywood twist of fate, a lunch meeting changed everything.

As Sean and the producers sat down for a meal, something magical happened. Sean morphed into Oscar right before their eyes. It was as though he had absorbed the essence of the man, from posture to voice to that perpetual scowl that was Oscar's signature. It was a transformation so profound that it left no doubt: Sean Hayes was the one to bring Oscar Levant back to life.

The Man Behind the Curtain: Oscar Levant and His Complex Relationship with Music

Oscar Levant wasn't just a brilliant comedian with a penchant for one-liners. He was also a friend of George Gershwin, the iconic composer, and a renowned interpreter of his music. But their relationship was as complex as it was beautiful.

Levant frequently played Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, becoming the first pianist to immortalize it on a 78 RPM record. However, George Gershwin had a penchant for teasing Oscar in a sometimes sadistic manner, asking him what he was going to play for the audience, often remarking, "A medley of your hits, Oscar?"

And, believe it or not, that teasing finds its way into the play. It's a moment that brings levity and depth to the story, showcasing the unique relationship between these two legends.

The Encore: Sean Hayes' Musical Talent

To add to the intrigue, Sean Hayes is not only a talented actor but a gifted piano player. As he sat down to perform a Chopin Waltz, he reminisced about starting his piano lessons at the tender age of five. In those early years, he harbored dreams of becoming a concert pianist or a film music composer. As he plays, you can't help but be awed by his musical prowess.

As the curtain falls on the emotionally charged performance, you can see that "Good Night Oscar" has taken its toll on Sean Hayes. It's emotionally exhausting, but it's worth every ounce of effort. Mental illness and addiction are not just abstract concepts for Sean; they run in his family tree, and he connects with Oscar's struggles on a deep, personal level.

The journey to bring Oscar Levant back to life is a formidable one, but for Sean Hayes, it's a labor of love. Oscar Levant, the forgotten legend of yesteryears, deserves this resurrection. The man who made us laugh, cry, and ponder life's complexities should never be consigned to oblivion.

So, as the curtain rises on "Good Night Oscar," we applaud Sean Hayes for daring to step outside the shadow of Jack McFarlane and into the complex world of Oscar Levant. In doing so, he reminds us that true artistry knows no bounds, and that in the heart of Broadway, even the most unconventional casting choices can lead to magic.

A Standing Ovation for Sean Hayes

As we witness the revival of Oscar Levant through the superb talents of Sean Hayes, let's give a standing ovation for this audacious venture. In the buzzing heart of Broadway, where the past meets the present, and where comedy mingles with the deepest of human emotions, Sean Hayes' portrayal of Oscar Levant is a shining testament to the transformative power of theater.

So, if you find yourself in the dazzling embrace of Broadway, don't miss the chance to say "Good Night" to Oscar Levant, and "Hello" to the remarkable Sean Hayes. It's a theatrical journey that will make you laugh, cry, and ponder the extraordinary complexity of the human spirit.