By Gordon Durich
“The fault dear Brutus, lies not in the stars, but in ourselves. ” Shakespeare.
Many moons ago, George Clooney must have known he was onto something, when he helmed the ambitious movie project about legendary broadcaster Edward R. Murrow, “Good Night, and Good Luck.” The title came from the signature sign-off phrase of Murrow’s at the conclusion of his CBS TV reports.
The film directed by Clooney, and co-written and co-starring this triple-threat went on to reap multiple awards including Best Picture and Best Director at the Academy Awards.
A passion project, the electrifying story, has now spawned a stage adaptation, starring Clooney in the lead role, his Broadway debut. Playing at the Winter Garden theatre, the show opens on April 3, after March previews. The subject of the now screen-to-stage work is personal to the multi-talented Clooney, as his father is journalist Nick Clooney. Clooney senior has a background as TV anchorman and host.
Journalism was a huge influence on Clooney junior, as his father instilled in him a respect for the values of truth and transparency. With an unconventional approach, George approached the film like a journalist. With a lot of fact checking. The groundwork paid off.
The plot? The infamous clash between protagonist Murrow and anti-communist political figure Joseph McCarthy. Tension… and verity. The film resembles a docudrama.
The play’s production design is noteworthy for more than one reason. (The film version was awarded Best Production Design, also at its multi-award winning 2006 Oscars triumph). Technically challenging, it features period sets and authentic props reflecting this vintage American era, circa early 1950’s. One significant prop(erty) is a Movieola on loan to “Good Night, and Good Luck” by The Museum of Interesting Things’ founder Denny Daniel.
“I was asked to loan the Movieola, one of the most special things in the Museum and was happy to! It was used by Tim Burton to do Pee Wee Herman’s Big Adventure. I remember rolling it down Broadway to them.” A new documentary about the Museum of Interesting Things in New York City is in the works.
Start spreading the news, this new take on drama and media is enthralling. Hopefully, this new production will make it one day… make that night to the City of Angels.
www.goodnightgoodluckbroadway.com
www.museumofinterestingthings.org