Lin-Manuel Miranda Kicks Off Star Lineup for ‘All In: Comedy About Love’ on Broadway

New York, NY – Broadway’s production of “All In: Comedy About Love,” based on the acclaimed short stories by Simon Rich, welcomed a major infusion of star power as a new cast, led by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, took the stage at the Hudson Theatre starting January 14. This highly anticipated limited engagement, set to run through February 16, features a rotating lineup of prominent stage and screen actors, promising a dynamic and unique theatrical experience centered on the complexities of modern relationships.

The Production

Directed by Tony Award nominee Alex Timbers, “All In: Comedy About Love” brings to life select narratives from Simon Rich’s sharp and humorous observations on dating, heartbreak, and marriage. Originally published in The New Yorker, Rich’s stories are celebrated for their distinctive blend of absurdity, wit, and profound insight into the human condition. The stage adaptation at the historic Hudson Theatre, one of Broadway’s oldest and most intimate venues, aims to translate this literary charm into a live, engaging performance format. The production structure emphasizes storytelling and performance, supported by distinct visual and musical elements.

Dynamic Cast Changes

A key feature of this limited Broadway run is its frequently changing cast, allowing audiences the opportunity to see different combinations of acclaimed performers tackle Rich’s material. The initial cast, beginning January 14, is headlined by Lin-Manuel Miranda, widely celebrated for creating Hamilton and In the Heights. Joining him for specific performance windows are a host of other notable actors. Aidy Bryant, known for her work on Saturday Night Live and Shrill, and Nick Kroll, creator and star of Big Mouth and Kroll Show, are performing alongside the cast through February 2. Tony Award nominee Andrew Rannells, recognized for his roles in The Book of Mormon and Girls, is part of the cast through January 26.

Following these initial runs, “All In: Comedy About Love” will feature further cast rotations. Television personality Jimmy Fallon, host of The Tonight Show, is scheduled to perform from January 28 to February 2. Actor and comedian David Cross, known for Arrested Development, will take the stage from February 4 to February 9. The final segment of the limited engagement, from February 4 to February 16, will feature Tony Award winner Annaleigh Ashford (Sunday in the Park with George, B Positive) and veteran comedian Tim Meadows (Saturday Night Live, The Goldbergs). These specific dates provide audiences with a clear guide to the performer lineup throughout the engagement’s duration.

Creative Team and Design

Beyond its starry cast, “All In: Comedy About Love” features a distinguished creative and design team. Director Alex Timbers (Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Beetlejuice) helms the production, known for his inventive and theatrical approach. The visual world of the show is crafted by acclaimed designers: David Korins (Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen) is responsible for the scenic design, Jake DeGroot (Beetlejuice, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune) handles the lighting design, Jennifer Moeller (Camelot, Clyde’s) is the costume designer, Peter Hylenski (Moulin Rouge!, Frozen) is the sound designer, and Lucy MacKinnon (Kimberly Akimbo, Ohio State Murders) provides video design. Kris Kukul (Beetlejuice) serves as music supervisor, ensuring the musical elements are seamlessly integrated. The production stage manager is Scott Rowen, and casting for the production is overseen by Taylor Williams, whose work has been instrumental in assembling the impressive roster of talent.

Music and Visuals

Adding further layers to the storytelling, “All In: Comedy About Love” incorporates live music and visual art. The score features songs performed live by the acclaimed married musical duo The Bengsons, Abigail and Shaun Bengson. Their performances draw from the extensive catalog of The Magnetic Fields, specifically compositions by Stephin Merritt, with particular inspiration cited from the band’s seminal concept album, “69 Love Songs.”

Visually, the production features illustrations by New Yorker cartoonist Emily Flake, whose distinctive style complements the source material and adds a unique artistic dimension to the performance.

Producers and Management

The production is spearheaded by a formidable team of producers. Seaview, known for its innovative and successful theatrical ventures including Slave Play and Jeremy O. Harris’ “Daddy”, is producing alongside Lorne Michaels, the legendary creator and executive producer of Saturday Night Live. The association with New Yorker Studios underscores the show’s connection to its literary origins. For Michaels’ Broadway Video, producers Micah Frank and Caroline Maroney are attached to the project. General management for the production is handled by Wagner Johnson Productions. This combination of experienced producers from both the theatrical and television worlds highlights the unique crossover nature of the production and the caliber of talent involved.

Conclusion

With its blend of sharp comedic writing, dynamic rotating cast of stars, celebrated creative team, and unique integration of music and art, “All In: Comedy About Love” offers a distinctive and limited-time opportunity for Broadway audiences. Playing exclusively at the Hudson Theatre through February 16, this engagement is a notable event in the current theatrical season. Further information, including ticket availability for specific performance dates featuring different cast members, can be found on the production’s official website, AllInBroadway.com. The convergence of talent from the worlds of Broadway, television, and comedy makes this production a unique highlight, exploring the universal themes of love with wit and insight.