John Mulaney's return to Broadway with 'All In: Comedy About Love' has been met with enthusiasm from audiences this winter. The stage adaptation of Simon Rich's short stories features a star-studded cast including Renée Elise Goldsberry, Richard Kind, and Fred Armisen, with future replacements like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jimmy Fallon, and Aidy Bryant.
The play opens with quirky tales such as a bar with a 12-inch piano player and personal ads from dogs, setting the tone for a whimsical and engaging performance. Director Alex Timbers collaborated with Rich to select stories that would resonate with audiences and showcase the talents of the actors.
The decision to keep the production minimalistic with four actors was intentional, aiming to create an intimate and immersive experience for theatergoers. Original illustrations by Emily Flake and love songs by The Bengsons further enhance the storytelling.
Mulaney, who found a personal connection to the stories about child-rearing, praises the writing and believes in the adaptability of the show to accommodate cast changes. The structure allows for new performers to bring their own interpretations to the roles, adding fresh dynamics to the scenes.
The show's appeal to a younger audience is seen as an opportunity to introduce new theatergoers to the world of live performances. Rich hopes that comedy fans will be drawn to 'All In' and be inspired to explore more theatrical productions in the future.
