Ben Rappaport and Sean Hayes in Good Night, Oscar. Picture: Joan Marcus
Ben Rappaport will join Tony and Emmy Award-winner Sean Hayes in the London transfer of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Doug Wright’s Broadway hit Good Night, Oscar to London this summer.
As previously announced Will & Grace star Hayes will make his West End debut reprising his Tony Award-winning performance as Hollywood Golden Age concert pianist, actor and raconteur Oscar Levant in the production, directed by Lisa Peterson, which will play at the Barbican Theatre from 31 July to 21 September. He will reunite with Rappaport (Fiddler on the Roof, Broadway) who will re-create his acclaimed performance as talk show host Jack Paar.
Looking forward to the London season, Ben Rappaport said: “Returning to Good Night, Oscar and stepping back into this world alongside Sean is an absolute gift. The chance to share this story with London audiences at the Barbican this summer is going to be very exciting.”
Producer Howard Panter added: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Ben Rappaport to the West End production of Good Night, Oscar. Ben and Sean shared extraordinary chemistry on Broadway, and their dynamic performances brought such depth, wit and electricity to the play. London audiences are in for a real treat as these two remarkable performers reunite on stage at the Barbican – supported by an incredible ensemble of actors who will bring heart, humour and nuance to every moment.”
The cast at the Barbican will also include Daniel Adeosun as Alvin Finney, David Burnett as George Gershwin, Richard Katz as Bob Sarnoff and Eric Sirakian as Max Weinbaum. Max Roll will also reprise his performance as understudy for Oscar Levant and Bob Sarnoff, following his engagement on Broadway alongside Hayes and Rappaport. The additional understudies are Tashinga Bepete (Alvin Finney), Ben Butler (Max Weinbaum), Charlotte Hunter (June Levant) and Ryan Speakman (Jack Paar and George Gershwin).
Centred on a fictionalised 1950s episode of the late-night US talk show The Tonight Show featuring Levant with host Paar, the play opened on Broadway in 2023.
Angela Thomas
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