March 28, 2022 – By his own account, character actor, movie star, and skilled pianist Oscar Levant knew he bordered between genius and madman. He often said, “There’s a fine line between genius and insanity; I have erased this line.”

In Goodman Theatre’s production of Good Night, Oscar, Sean Hayes shines in an outstanding performance as Levant, who was a presence in Hollywood throughout the 1950s and 1960s. He played Gene Kelly’s sidekick in An American in Paris and was a frequent guest on The Tonight Show when it was hosted by Jack Paar. Paar always took a chance on Oscar because of his irreverent sense of humor and witty remarks that kept viewers glued to the screen.

Addicted to prescription drugs, can this talented genius keep himself together long enough to go on stage live and perform? (Left) Georges Guétary, the real Oscar Levant (center), and Gene Kelly in the 1951 musical, An American in Paris.

Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Doug Wright and directed by Lisa Peterson, Good Night, Oscar is full of laughs, satire, and heartbreak.

Goodman Artistic Director Robert Falls calls Wright “an author I’ve long admired for illuminating his characters’ personal truths while infusing their stories with humor and wit.”

Emmy-winning and Tony-nominated Hayes leaves us with a clearer understanding of Levant’s genius – ghosts and all – and surprises the audience with a signature ending that will blow you away.

The supporting cast rallies around Levant in award-winning performances. Emily Bergl, who plays his wife, June, is stellar. Ben Rappaport as Jack Paar stands firm in his conviction of keeping Levant on the show, perhaps for his own ratings benefit. (Right) Emily Berg as June Levant and Sean Hayes as Oscar Levant.

Peter Grosz as television network executive Robert Sarnoff plays it straight, while Ethan Slater as Max Weinbaum is hysterical as the network gopher.

Tramell Tillman as Alvin Finney, the medical assistant charged with watching over Levant, walks a fine line between sincerely caring about his patient and his own future.

John Zdrojeski, who plays friend George Gershwin, is outstanding, haunting Levant throughout the show. (Left) John Zdrojeski (left in photo) as George Gershwin and Hayes as Levant.

Kudos to costume designer Emilio Sosa, who captures the style and sophistication of the era – particularly with June’s costumes, which are gorgeous.

The production has been extended through April 24.