NEW YORK — John Mulaney’s return to Broadway was an easy decision, requiring no script review before jumping in. “I was like, ‘OK, well, send it to me. I’ll read it.’ But when they sent it, I didn’t read it. I just said yes immediately,” the actor and comedian expressed.
This time, Mulaney is part of a project titled “All In: Comedy About Love,” which is an engaging adaptation of his friend Simon Rich’s short stories that have captivated Broadway audiences this winter. Mulaney, who made his Broadway debut in 2016 with “Oh, Hello,” is joined by an impressive cast including Renée Elise Goldsberry, Richard Kind, and Fred Armisen. Later on, notable names like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jimmy Fallon, Aidy Bryant, Nick Kroll, Tim Meadows, Chloe Fineman, Andrew Rannells, David Cross, Annaleigh Ashford, and Hank Azaria will take over some roles.
“All In” begins with a whimsical tale of a man discovering a bar featuring a 12-inch piano player, followed by amusing personal ads from dogs — one stating, “Full disclosure: I’m neutered but no complaints yet.” The production also includes a love triangle with The Elephant Man and an aging talent agent confronting Death, alongside a futuristic history report from the year 2070.
“These pieces are so meticulously and beautifully crafted,” Mulaney shared, reminiscing about his friendship with Rich from their time at “Saturday Night Live.” “They are so perfectly suited for performance that adapting them is a delightful experience.”
The initial idea to adapt Rich’s stories for the stage came from director Alex Timbers. “Our first reading took four and a half hours, which meant a lot of cutting down to find a collection of stories that were thematically connected and would showcase strong performances by talented actors,” Rich noted.
After selecting the right stories, the creative team deliberated on the production elements: the number of actors, the overall design, and costume requirements for the 90-minute show. They ultimately decided on a minimalist approach with four actors, allowing for a more intimate presentation that lets each performer shine. The production includes original illustrations by New Yorker cartoonist Emily Flake and live music from The Bengsons, featuring love songs from The Magnetic Fields.
“The best way to serve the material was through the clearest communication to the audience,” stated Mulaney. He likened the experience to a purer form of consumption, saying, “I’m sorry to use a drug analogy, but it’s like mainlining the material versus taking it in a dissolvable form.”
Two stories in the play explore themes of childhood and parenting, relating closely to Rich and Mulaney, who can now draw from their own experiences. Mulaney described his reality as a “touring stand-up comedian, ‘Saturday Night Live’-writing, complete night owl, Dracula-like creature who now has two kids and lives in the California suburbs.”
While the initial quartet of cast members will eventually be replaced, Rich and Mulaney believe the structure of the show is flexible enough to adapt, especially since the performers will remain seated with scripts in hand throughout the performance. “So many people can connect with these stories that anyone coming into the role will bring their own perspective and step up to the level of brilliant writing,” Mulaney remarked.
Replacement actors will not step directly into the roles being vacated; instead, Rich emphasizes that they will mix the parts. “I find it exciting to envision how not only new individual performances will alter the dynamic, but also how new pairings can offer fresh interpretations,” he added. “Many stories thrive on the interplay between two cast members, and that element is thrilling to consider.”
During a recent performance at the Hudson Theatre, the audience appeared notably younger than is typical for Broadway shows. Both Mulaney and Rich are hopeful that “All In” can draw in new theater fans. “We’re thrilled to see some first-time theatergoers attending, and we hope that comedy enthusiasts will enjoy this production, converting them into theater fans who may subsequently explore more shows,” Rich said optimistically.
