'All In': Star-Studded Comedy Show with Simon Rich's Whimsical Essays and Indie Music
December 23, 2024With its cozy, comedic tone, the production fits perfectly into the holiday season and the current Broadway atmosphere that embraces laughter.
Directed by Alex Timbers, the show is characterized by its minimalist yet elegant staging, featuring whimsical video designs by Lucy Mackinnon.
The show 'All In' features a rotating cast of celebrities narrating humorous essays by Simon Rich, a writer known for his contributions to The New Yorker, Saturday Night Live, and Pixar films.
The humor throughout 'All In' is laidback and pleasant, aiming for warm smiles rather than uproarious laughter.
John Maloney initially struggles with his narration but finds his rhythm in sharper stories, particularly one about a toddler detective solving a missing plush toy mystery.
The final story, set in 2074, features Rich's imagined great-granddaughter interviewing him about his life, culminating in a humorous reflection on his marriage and contemporary dating rituals.
Richard Kind displays a strong comedic range, while Fred Armisen delivers deadpan humor as the figure of Death in a narrative centered around show business.
Among the notable narrators are John Maloney, Richard Kind, Fred Armisen, and Renée Elise Goldsberry, who read from oversized books in a cozy and comfortable setting.
The eight stories explore quirky characters, such as a hard-of-hearing genie and parental pirates, delving into themes of commitment and unexpected connections with a touch of sentimentality.
Music and love songs by Stephin Merritt of Magnetic Fields enhance the show, performed by indie folk-rockers Abigail and Shaun Bengson, with Abigail's voice particularly resonating with Merritt's melodies.
Summary based on 1 source
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Source
Variety • Dec 22, 2024
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