THE HANGOVER REPORT – Generous, accessible storytelling and star power propel Simon Rich’s ALL IN: COMEDY ABOUT LOVE
- By drediman
- February 6, 2025
- No Comments
Earlier this week, I finally caught up with All In: Comedy About Love by Simon Rich at the Hudson Theatre on Broadway (the show is now in the final two weeks of its run). Largely because of the starry lineup of stage and screen personalities appearing on rotating basis, the show has shaped up to be easily one of the hottest tickets of the season thus far. As its title alludes to, All In is essentially a collection of short narrative-driven plays — told simply as if from someone’s living room — on the topic of love, in all its various permutations.
Indeed, in just about 90 minutes, Rich manifests our unique capacity for love through pirate dads, “missed connection” ads for dogs, baby detectives, 12-inch pianists, a voyage into space, and so forth. Despite the eclectic nature of these tales, they’re united by their warmheartedness and gentle sense of humor. No doubt, you’ll have an amusing time, and you’ll find yourself chuckling a good amount. The effect of watching the show is akin to curling up to a fireplace and hearing stories read to you. Although some may feel short-changed by this humble approach — especially at the steep price tag this particular show commands — I found this focus on pure storytelling a refreshing change from traditionally staged shows on Broadway. It’s no surprise that All In has been staged by Alex Timbers, a director who has made a career out of staging unconventional material on Broadway (Here Lies Love, Gutenberg! The Musical!, Oh Hello! On Broadway), and he’s brought an accessible and generous spirit to the production. Sprinkled throuhout are immensely appealing original songs by Stephen Merritt of the Magnetic Fields, which are performed live with gusto by the amazing husband-and-wife duo of Shaun and Abigail Benson (otherwise simply known as The Bengsons).
Another aspect that sets the show apart is its reliance rotating casts to keep the material fresh and perhaps tempt audiences to show up for more than one helping. Indeed, there’s been much hype surrounding the production’s deluxe casting. At the performance I attended, none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda kick-started the show, functioning as the evening’s immensely likable de facto “host” presence. Joining him were Annaleigh Ashford — as adorably quirky as ever — and the gleeful duo of David Cross and Tim Meadows, who brought a sort of vaudevillian comedy act vibe to their performances.
RECOMMENDED
ALL IN: COMEDY ABOUT LOVE BY SIMON RICH
Broadway, Play
Hudson Theatre
1 hour, 30 minutes (without an intermission)
Through February 16
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