Mr. Saturday Night is a new Broadway musical based on the 1992 film of the same name. The show began previews at the Nederlander Theatre on Broadway on March 29, 2022 and officially opened on April 27, 2022. As of October 2023, Mr. Saturday Night is still running on Broadway with no announced closing date.
Previews and Opening
Mr. Saturday Night had its first preview performance on Broadway on March 29, 2022. This was the first time the musical was performed in front of an audience. Previews allow the creative team to make changes and adjustments to the show before the official opening night.
There were 33 preview performances of Mr. Saturday Night before it opened officially. Previews ran from March 29, 2022 through April 27, 2022.
The show had its official opening night on Broadway on April 27, 2022. This was when the show was considered frozen and complete. Reviews also came out following the opening night performance.
Synopsis
Mr. Saturday Night follows the life and career of comedian Buddy Young Jr. It explores his rise to fame as well as his struggle to stay relevant as he ages.
The story begins in the 1940s with a young Buddy getting his start as a comedian. It then follows along as he achieves success but alienates those close to him. In the later part of his career, Buddy tries to make a comeback on television and reconnect with his estranged brother Stan.
Broadway Cast and Creative Team
Comedian Billy Crystal stars as Buddy Young Jr. in Mr. Saturday Night. At age 74, Crystal makes his return to Broadway after 50 years away from the stage.
The cast also features David Paymer reprising his role from the film as Buddy’s brother Stan Yankelman. Randy Graff stars as Buddy’s wife Elaine.
Mr. Saturday Night has music by Jason Robert Brown and lyrics by Amanda Green. John Hoffman wrote the book for the musical. The show is directed by John Rando.
Critical Response
Mr. Saturday Night opened on Broadway to mixed reviews from critics:
- The New York Times said the musical “never builds up quite enough velocity or emotional force.” However, it praised Crystal’s performance.
- Time Out New York called it “middling” but said the score contains “some real standouts.”
- The Hollywood Reporter wrote that Crystal gives “one of the great performances of the century thus far in any category.”
- The Guardian said the show is “tepid and strained” but that Crystal and Paymer give the “performances of their lives.”
While critics had issues with the writing and structure of the musical, Billy Crystal’s central performance as Buddy Young Jr. earned widespread praise and acclaim.
How Long is the Initial Broadway Run?
When Mr. Saturday Night opened on Broadway in April 2022, it was announced to have a “limited engagement.” This means the show’s initial Broadway run has a set end date rather than running indefinitely.
The initial Broadway engagement for Mr. Saturday Night is scheduled to run through January 1, 2023. This means the show will have played nearly 40 weeks on Broadway before closing.
January 1, 2023 will mark the end of the first Broadway run for Mr. Saturday Night unless the run is extended. As of October 2023, there has been no announcement about an extension.
Weekly Broadway Show Schedule
During its Broadway run, Mr. Saturday Night plays eight performances per week at the Nederlander Theatre.
The typical weekly schedule for Mr. Saturday Night is:
Day | Time |
---|---|
Tuesday | 7pm |
Wednesday | 2pm |
Wednesday | 7pm |
Thursday | 7pm |
Friday | 8pm |
Saturday | 2pm |
Saturday | 8pm |
Sunday | 3pm |
There are evening performances Tuesday-Friday at 7 or 8pm. There are matinee performances on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. No performances are scheduled on Mondays.
Are There Future Performances Planned?
Beyond the initial Broadway run ending January 1, 2023, there has been no official announcement about future productions of Mr. Saturday Night.
It is possible the show could embark on a national tour in the United States. Many Broadway shows will tour to major cities around the country for 1-2 week engagements after completing a Broadway run. However, Mr. Saturday Night has not yet revealed any touring plans.
The show could also potentially be licensed to regional theatres and community theatres around the US and internationally. Again, no concrete plans for licensing have been shared yet by the producers.
Broadway Revival
Mr. Saturday Night could potentially return to Broadway again in a revival run at some point in the future. Broadway revivals occur when a show that previously played Broadway returns with a new production years later.
However, since this is a new musical that just opened in 2022, a Broadway revival would likely not happen for several years at the earliest.
West End Production
The creators have not announced any plans to bring Mr. Saturday Night to London’s West End. The success of the Broadway run will likely impact whether a West End production is pursued.
If it does transfer to the West End in the future, it would be a separately cast production rather than the Broadway cast traveling. Billy Crystal is only committed to the Broadway run.
Potential Factors in Show’s Lifespan
Several factors will impact how long Mr. Saturday Night ends up running on Broadway and whether future productions are mounted:
- Reviews – The mixed critical response could hamper momentum and longevity.
- Ticket Sales – The weekly box office gross will determine profitability and interest.
- Awards Recognition – Billy Crystal is likely to receive awards nominations which could renew interest.
- Unique Elements – Crystal’s star power and the catalog of Buddy Young Jr. comedy routines contribute novelty.
- Recoupment – Producers will want the show to run long enough to recoup its initial investment.
Overall, the initial Broadway engagement of Mr. Saturday Night will run for approximately 40 weeks through early January 2023. Beyond that, the lifespan will depend largely on the show’s financial success. Additional productions have not yet been announced.
Conclusion
Mr. Saturday Night began Broadway previews on March 29, 2022 and officially opened on April 27, 2022. The musical is scheduled to play a limited engagement through January 1, 2023 at the Nederlander Theatre.
The show has received mixed reviews but Billy Crystal’s performance has earned praise. It remains to be seen if Mr. Saturday Night will recoup its costs and warrant an extended run or national tour.
As of now, January 1, 2023 marks the end of the initial Broadway production of this new musical based on the classic comedy film. The creative team has not yet announced plans for additional productions beyond the current Broadway run.