People of a certain age (old) remember Oscar Levant as the acerbic side-kick in movie musicals, the quick-witted panel member on TV game shows, and the concert pianist known for interpreting the music of George Gershwin (Levant’s contemporary who died in 1937 at age 38). As he aged and waxed and waned in popularity, his mental illness became his trademark. He had pronounced tics, shaking hands, a wobbly walk. He was addicted to cigarettes, alcohol, and prescription drugs. During his lifetime, and still today, there is no cure for schizophrenia. Though producing a calming effect in the brain, the drugs debilitated the body. He was a mess, but a polymath with a brilliant mind and a fantastic wit.
Parr and Levant on the Tonight Show
Jack Parr was the TV late-night star personality on NBC in the early 60s. The play is based on Parr’s exploitation of Levant’s “off the rails” persona to grab ratings. It’s one Tonight Show, from LA, an admirable constraint for the roller-coaster of events on stage. Levant is released on a four-hour pass from Mt. Sinai Mental Health Center to his wife’s care, accompanied by a hospital aide carrying a medical bag of emergency drugs. And the action begins…
Sean Hayes (Oscar Levant) has left behind his various TV characters—he is Levant. Brilliant performance.
Emily Bergt (June Levant) embodies the loving, hating, frustrated wife. Her costume by Emilio Sosa is stunning—early 60s Dior at its best.
Peter Grosz (Bob Sarnoff, head of NBC) is sufficiently snide and menacing as he tries to control Parr and later Levant.
Ben Rappaport (Jack Parr) is a conniving, undermining buddy to Levant, but could add depth to the character by using more of Parr’s physical mannerisms and vocal pattern.
Ethan Slater (Max Weinbaum) is a perfect suck-up fanboy to Levant as he preps guests for Parr’s show.
Tramell Tillman (Alvin Finney, the hospital aide) plays it straight, challenged but not overwhelmed by his manic charge.
John Zdrojeski (George Gershwin) looks like a handsome Hugh Hefner slinking around in a silk dressing gown. He shows no empathy to Levant’s problems—because he is a schizophrenic apparition.
We saw the fifth preview of this premier production. It was polished, though much will be tightened as it inevitably goes to Broadway. The crown jewel of the performances is Hayes playing a totally manic version of Rhapsody in Blue. Yes, folks, he is actually playing it. Show-stopping. See Good Night, Oscar if you can get a ticket.