North Coast Rep’s ‘Good Night, Oscar’ a moving story of tortured genius. Multitalented David Corlew leads a strong production of 2022 play about troubled pianist-composer Oscar Levant. Actor-pianist David Corlew gives an outstanding performance as Levant. He authentically re-creates Levant’s slumped posture, involuntary grimacing, hard eye blinks and other tics without overdoing it. And his piano performance of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” is stunning. Corlew’s mastery of the jazzy composition’s fast-cascading notes and cross-handed technique is impressive. But Corlew also infuses the playing with gaps of silent uncertainty, trembling fingers and pounding energy that transmit the battle going on inside Levant’s head. And if, like Gershwin, Levant were able to haunt a performance of “Good Night, Oscar,” he would relish it.
- The San Diego Union-Tribune
This is a gripping, relentless story with a strikingly-intense performance by Mr. Corlew (Oscar Levant) and a solid cast around him, building to one of the most astounding live piano performances I’ve ever seen. Mr. Corlew’s performance is likely to create quite a buzz, bringing in a successful run to kick off North Coast Rep’s 45th season.
- Stage and Cinema
For a little over 90 minutes David Corlew’s Levant was heartbreaking, breathtaking, hilarious and unpredictable. Corlew, IS the star in his own show. For an evening of entertainment, nostalgia, heartbreak, and renewal, ‘Goodnight, Oscar’ is your best bet.
- Carol Davis, Critic
A witty, melancholy character study with a spectacular lead performance from David Corlew.
- San Diego Story
You do not want to miss Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner Doug Wright's ‘Good Night, Oscar’ and the brilliant performance by David Corlew as Oscar Levant. The play will leave you mesmerized and stunned by what you witness on stage.
- The Vista Press & The North County Daily Star
Penned by Doug Wright and directed by Tom Frey, this 100-minute intermission-less piece is eminently watchable. Frey has assembled a stellar cast of seven, Corlew as Levant is magnificent. This is a must-see production for its direction, acting, and music.
- Jenni Prisk, Critic
Tom Frey’s carefully calibrated production is funny, fast, and unexpectedly moving, with David Corlew delivering a remarkable performance as Oscar Levant.
- BroadwayWorld
GOOD NIGHT, OSCAR—or, frankly, GOOD MORNING David Corlew, the actor delivering one of the most convincing portrayals of tragic and distinguished fame I’ve seen since Jersey Boys on Broadway sometime around 2010. I LEFT feeling as though I’d attended a masterclass in THE man, late-night television, marriage, sacrifice, humor in the face of sacrifice and the particular insanity that can accompany being extraordinarily good at something. Over ninety minutes, Corlew somehow gives us the sensation of having watched an entire life happen. And this is where theater gets to show off a little. You cannot stream the feeling of an entire room breaking into laughter at exactly the same second. It’s irreplaceable the way this cast sweat, twitched, and entered your presence. FILLED your space with movement and sound a TV can’t. You cannot pause it. You cannot half-watch it while answering a text. So leave your couch, your phone. Gather in public. Get one of the remaining tickets.
- The Locals Club
Brian Mackey & David Corlew
David Corlew & Megan Carmitchel
David Corlew & Jay DeYonker
Isaiah Frazilus & David Corlew
David Corlew
Brian Mackey, Wyatt Van Hazel, & Jason Maddy
Megan Carmitchel, Brian Mackey & Jason Maddy
Jason Maddy & Brian Mackey
Wyatt Van Hazel, Brian Mackey, David Corlew, Jason Maddy, Isaiah Frazilus, & Megan Carmitchel
Brian Mackey & David Corlew
David Corlew
Megan CarmitchelJune Levant
David Corlew Oscar Levant
Jay DeYonker George Gershwin
Isaiah Frazilus Alvin Finney
Brian Mackey Jack Paar
Jason Maddy Bob Sarnoff
Wyatt VanHazel Max Weinbaum
Doug Wright Playwright
Tom Frey Director
Shannon Humiston Stage Manager
Michael Wogulis Scenic Design
Matt Novotny Light Design
Elisa Benzoni Costume Design
Grace Wong Associate Costume Design
Tristan King Sound Design
Chris Williams Props Design
Peter Herman Hair and Wig Design
Kinzey Eastin Production Assistant
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