Good Night, Oscar

By Doug Wright
Originally Produced at Goodman Theatre, Chicago, IL
March 12 – April 24, 2022



Anything Can Happen on Live TV, and One Night It Did.

It’s 1958, and Jack Paar hosts the hottest late-night talk-show on television. His favorite guest? Character actor, pianist and wild card Oscar Levant. Famous for his witty one-liners, Oscar has a favorite: “There’s a fine line between genius and insanity; I have erased this line.” Tonight, Oscar will prove just that when he appears live on national TV in an episode Paar’s audience—and the rest of America—won’t soon forget. Good Night, Oscar explores the nexus of humor and heartbreak, the ever-dwindling distinction between exploitation and entertainment, and the high cost of baring one’s soul for public consumption.


Artistic Statement: Good Night, Oscar delivers an intimate portrait of the irrepressible pianist Oscar Levant. The work at once celebrates Levant’s brilliance as a humorist and musician and examines his struggles with addiction and mental illness, for an ultimately triumphant experience. The play is often quite funny—a sought-after quality in programming right now and for the foreseeable future. - Robert Falls, Artistic Director


Grant Statement: The generous support of the Edgerton Foundation for Good Night, Oscar allows the Goodman to schedule an additional week of rehearsal for the production, with full cast and production team in attendance. This time will allow the creative team to strike the right balance between comedy and drama in the final piece, while also reflecting the historical record upon which it is based. - Roche Schulfer, Executive Director 


Director: Lisa Peterson
Cast: Sean Hayes