Mr. Saturday Night, a new musical, opened on Broadway two months ago with relative fanfare. Like the original movie from 1992, the Broadway production features both Billy Crystal and David Paymer in their original roles. Still, the big difference is unlike the film, this Broadway production is loaded with song and dance.
Billy Crystal and David Paymer are not known for their musical ability, but this production is a lot of fun. Care and dedication have gone into the design of this production, and it is noticeable. It feels like you have stepped back into the 1950s. It is beautifully stylized and very charming.
Buddy Young Jr (Billy Crystal) has retired from his late-night hosting gig and now doing the rounds doing standup at retirement villages. Buddy is dying to get back in front of an audience for the adulation. Still, unfortunately for Buddy, his death is announced at the Emmys, the reality being he isn’t dead, obviously.
But fortunate for Buddy, the premature death announcement revives his otherwise mothballed career with offers rolling in and the opportunity to sign up with a new agent. But will all of this revive his career, or will the demons of the past come are rear their ugly heads?
Directed by John Rando, Mr. Saturday Night is an exciting idea for a musical. The film that was released over 30 years ago has disappeared into relative obscurity, so it is an interesting choice that it was to be revived as a musical. Don’t get me wrong, there are funny moments, and it is a joy to see Billy Crystal and David Paymer revive their original roles. Still, it is a long musical with gorgeous sets and costumes.
Created by Billy Crystal, Lowell Ganz, and Babaloo Mandel, Mr. Saturday Night is a musical that will make you laugh. The character of Buddy is very relatable whether it reminds you of an old uncle or father, or even there are parts of the character that remind you of yourself. The story presents the idea of a man struggling to understand and find himself later in life. It is affecting everything around him, his life, and most importantly, his relationship with his family.
Billy Crystal as Buddy Young Jr. is the perfect casting. Obviously, he knew the role inside and out from his portrayal in the original film. But there is something about seeing Billy Crystal on stage that was remarkable.
Long admiring Crystal from his extensive career and, in particular, his performance in When Harry Met Sally, it was cool seeing him perform. Never would I have ever thought it would be a musical, maybe a standup show or standard play, but seeing him sing and dance on stage, if anything, was memorable.
Mr. Saturday Night is closing next month, but seeing someone you had admired for a long time giving it all on stage, was worth it. Billy Crystal might not be known for his singing or dancing skills. Still, he is known for comedy and delivers 100% with the comedy routines in Mr. Saturday Night. It is almost worthwhile seeing it to see Billy Crystal doing what he does best, making people laugh.
Mr. Saturday Night is currently playing at the Nederlander Theatre on Broadway.
