Introduction to a Historic Broadcast
Spectators who tuned in to see George Clooney star in the live broadcast of Good Night and Good Luck on CNN were surprised to recognize another actor in the production. The television program was the first time in history that a Broadway show was broadcast live on national television. More than 20 cameras were positioned throughout the Winter Garden Theater in New York City to bring the play to the audience at home.
The Play and Its Cast
Clooney, who was nominated for a Tony Award for his Broadway debut performance, played the legendary journalist Edward R. Murrow. The piece is based on the 2005 film of the same name, for which Clooney co-wrote the script and played Murrow’s historical on-air showdown with Senator Joseph McCarthy as a television producer, Fred Friendly. In addition to Clooney, the cast included comedian Ilana Glazer, Mac Brandt, Will Dolch, Christopher Denham, Glenn Fedler, Clark Gregg, Paul Gross, Georgia Heers, Carter Hudson, Fran Kros, Jennifer, Michael Nonis, Michael No, Joe Forbrich, Imani Rousselle, Greg Stuhr, JD Taylor, and Sophia Tzugros.
Surprise Appearance by Ilana Glazer
Many fans did not notice that Glazer was in the production and were pleasantly surprised by the discovery when they tuned in. Glazer, known for the Comedy Central show Broad City, played producer and writer Shirley Wershba. Fans took to social media to express their surprise and delight at seeing Glazer in the production. "Oh wow, Ilana Glazer is in this Good Night and Good Luck? That’s great!" wrote one fan on X. Another fan wrote, "Since when has Ilana Glazer been in Good Night and Good Luck on Broadway?????"
Relevance of the Play to Current Events
But fans were also surprised by the relevance of the play’s history, especially Clooney’s dialogue when Murrow spoke out against McCarthy. "You have to stop what you’re doing and watch: Good Night and Good Luck now. The current Trump administration is perfect for this dialogue," wrote a viewer on X. Another viewer noted, "Excellent social commentary. Many thanks to CNN. And thank you, George Clooney." The play’s themes of standing up against injustice and speaking truth to power resonated with audiences, who saw parallels between the play’s depiction of McCarthyism and current events.
Bringing Broadway to the Living Room
When CNN announced the live broadcast, Clooney said, "I can’t tell you how exciting it is to do something that’s never been done. CNN is the perfect place to bring this story of courage to more people than we ever could have hoped." The live broadcast was produced by Clooney, Grant Heslov, Deena Katz, Todd Wagner, and Jeff Skoll. Fans seemed to appreciate the effort to make Broadway more accessible, commenting on the accessibility factor of bringing theater to the living room across the country. "Really enjoying watching Good Night and Good Luck on CNN. I think it’s so great to make theater, to make Broadway, more accessible to everyone," wrote one person on X.
Conclusion
Directed by Tony winner David Cromer, Good Night and Good Luck opened on Broadway for a limited run on April 3 and will end on June 8. The production, which brought in five Tony nominations, has been a historic success, becoming the first play in Broadway history to exceed a gross of $4 million in a single week. The live broadcast on Saturday evening was a groundbreaking event that brought Broadway to a wider audience, and fans are hoping it will lead to more live broadcasts of Broadway shows in the future.
