George Clooney Shines in Good Night, and Good Luck on Broadway
The sign outside the stage door to the Winter Garden Theater. Source: The Empire City Wire
The Golden Age Of Broadcast Journalism
Bringing the golden age of broadcast journalism to Broadway, Good Night, and Good Luck is a riveting stage adaptation of the acclaimed 2005 film, and George Clooney’s highly anticipated Broadway debut does not disappoint.
As Edward R. Murrow, the legendary CBS journalist who took on Senator Joseph McCarthy during the height of the Red Scare, Clooney delivers a commanding and nuanced performance. He effortlessly captures Murrow’s gravitas, portraying him as both a determined truth-seeker and a man weighed down by the pressures of his time. His choice to dye his hair black for the role was an interesting touch, subtly reinforcing his transformation into the iconic broadcaster.
The play comes at a unique time where elected officials are leveraging the power of the federal government to pursue self interests. Conflicts of interest are rampant in the federal government and strong journalism that prioritizes exposing those stories is hard to find. The play really underscores how in the mid-20th century, newsrooms really prioritized fact-based reporting over much of the sensationalized commentary that is witnessed today.
We are also seeing elected officials go after and persecute political opponents much in the same way McCarthy went after communists in the 1950’s. It is the media’s job and the job of all journalists to hold these unjust actions accountable and the play highlights that concept as a central theme.
George Clooney Pictured outside the stage door to The Winter Garden Theater. Source: The Empire City Wire
Production
Beyond Clooney’s strong performance, the production itself is a masterclass in stagecraft. The set design beautifully evokes the 1950s television newsroom, complete with vintage typewriters that serve as both functional props and atmospheric enhancers, further immersing the audience in the world of mid-century journalism.
The costumes are equally impressive, impeccably tailored to reflect the era’s professional newsroom aesthetic. The cast was outfitted in a great variety of different types of suits and office-wear seen in shows like Mad Men that took place at the same time.
A particularly amusing aspect of the production is the frequent lighting of cigarettes on stage—whether real or impressively realistic props—which adds both humor and authenticity, capturing the smoking-heavy newsroom culture of the time. In the 1950’s it was hard to find any office without the presence of large billowing clouds of smoke. Cigarettes were as commonly smoked back then and as prevalent as smartphones are today.
Source: The Empire City Wire
Wrap Up
Directed by Tony Award-winner David Cromer, Good Night, and Good Luck manages to maintain the same intensity and urgency as the film while using the intimacy of live theater to heighten the stakes. The themes of media integrity, government overreach, and the responsibility of journalists feel just as relevant today as they did in Murrow’s era.
Clooney, alongside a strong supporting cast, delivers a production that is both thought-provoking and visually stunning. Whether you’re a fan of historical dramas, political thrillers, or just great acting, this play is a must-see Broadway event.
A free press is the backbone of any democracy, holding those in power accountable and ensuring that the public has access to truthful, fact-based information. Without it, misinformation and propaganda can spread unchecked, leaving citizens vulnerable to manipulation. Fact-based journalism is essential in distinguishing truth from falsehood, providing context, and fostering an informed society. In an era where disinformation is rampant, protecting journalistic integrity is more crucial than ever.
