Good Night, Oscar rises to shine at Goodman Theatre

Oscar Levant was a concert pianist with an uncanny, wry wit about him. He passed away from a heart attack in 1972 and is brought back to life at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N Dearborn Street, for audiences in 2022.

Playing now through April 24, Good Night, Oscar conveys the story of one night of Oscar Levant's life in 1958. Late-night talk show host Jack Paar is hosting the very clever Levant for an appearance and chaos quickly ensues.

Audiences are transported back in time to witness the backstage and onstage antics of Levant at a taping of Tonight Starring Jack Paar. The truth comes out about the composer's mental health challenges that have escalated into drug dependency. Everyone around Levant has to navigate his issues during a public television appearance that fateful night. Levant has an addiction to laughs and Paar has an addiction to Levant. Paar gleefully exploits his subjects shortcomings and somehow still manages to be more likeable that Levant in the process.

This is due to a strong performance from Ben Rappaport who plays Paar. The supporting cast are all exception and sometimes outshine Sean Hayes as Oscar Levant, who doesn't look or sound like Levant.

Some may wonder why Hayes would choose to play Levant, but that is revealed by the end. The setup and solid writing of Good Night, Oscar by Doug Wright are worth the price of admission. The photos don't do justice to the majestic set pieces and background created by the team at the iconic theater space. The storyline continues to resonate today thanks to banter that still holds true and characters that entertain in any time period.

Many may not know much about Oscar Levant these days but the Goodman Theatre has a wide age range of patrons that still remember this character from his original hilarious appearances. Whether you are familiar with Levant's amazing talents or looking to learn more about a unique time in television history, Good Night, Oscar is the show for you.

Modern audiences can step back in time by purchasing a ticket to Good Night, Oscar at GoodmanTheatre.org. As Levant once said, "There's a fine line between genius and insanity. I've erased this line." That pretty much sums up what ticket holders will experience during a unpredictable night with Oscar!