The upcoming film ‘Blue Moon’ meticulously recreated the legendary Sardi’s restaurant in a Dublin studio, offering classic film enthusiasts an unparalleled deep dive into Broadway’s golden age through the eyes of lyricist Lorenz Hart and an astonishingly authentic set.
For decades, Sardi’s has stood as an iconic landmark on West 44th Street, a hallowed ground for Broadway legends, triumphs, and whispered gossip. This storied history is now central to Richard Linklater’s new film, “Blue Moon,” which daringly transports audiences back to 1943, on the opening night of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s monumental show, “Oklahoma!” But the most astonishing feat of the production isn’t just its historical setting; it’s the meticulous recreation of Sardi’s itself, built from the ground up in a film studio over 3,000 miles away in Dublin, Ireland.
The Architectural Odyssey: Rebuilding a Legend
The decision to construct a full-scale replica rather than film in the actual New York institution was born out of necessity. Director Richard Linklater explained, “There was no way we’d get access to Sardi’s for an entire month.” The answer came in the form of a Dublin studio, where production designer Susie Cullen, despite never having set foot in the real Sardi’s, embarked on an ambitious journey to bring the landmark to life. Cullen relied on extensive research, including walkthrough videos, architectural drawings, and countless iconic photographs, to ensure an authentic and precise reproduction.
For dedicated film buffs, the attention to detail is paramount. Linklater hailed the process as “a thrilling experience to create such an authentic and precise reproduction.” Cullen’s team faced the challenge of translating Sardi’s unique ambiance across an ocean, meticulously prioritizing its key elements: the sheer volume of caricatures, the characteristic deep red and brown color palette, and the abundance of dark-stained wood, all of which are synonymous with the restaurant’s storied past as detailed by Broadway.com.
Sabrina Lantos, Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics
Crafting Authenticity with a Cinematic Twist
While accuracy was key, structural changes were necessary to serve the film’s narrative. The downstairs bar, a hub of witty dialogue and flowing whiskey in “Blue Moon,” is significantly smaller in reality. The film’s version was expanded to provide ample room for Ethan Hawke’s Lorenz Hart, Bobby Cannavale’s bartender, and Andrew Scott’s Richard Rodgers to navigate the unfolding drama. This modification allowed for cinematic staging where Hart could “lurk around the edges,” subtly observing the celebrations of his former creative partner’s success, a crucial storytelling element.
One of Sardi’s most recognizable features is its walls adorned with caricatures of Broadway stars. For “Blue Moon,” a local artist painstakingly drew some 100 original caricatures, capturing the iconic style. These aren’t just portraits of historical Broadway royalty like Tallulah Bankhead; eagle-eyed fans will discover delightful “easter eggs,” with several crew members—including Linklater himself, producer John Sloss, and various art directors—hidden among the depicted characters. This creative liberty, according to Cullen, was about capturing the “sense of the style and tone of the pictures,” rather than a precise historical roster.
Sabrina Lantos, Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics
Actors’ Immersion: Nailing the Sardi’s Vibe
The commitment to authenticity extended beyond the set design into the performances of the lead actors. Ethan Hawke, portraying the complex Lorenz Hart, and Bobby Cannavale, playing a Sardi’s bartender, undertook hands-on research. The two actors, who live only blocks apart in New York, made multiple visits to the actual Sardi’s, immersing themselves in its unique atmosphere.
A memorable research moment occurred the night before the Dublin flight, when Tony winner Patti LuPone unexpectedly joined Hawke and Cannavale for a drink. Hawke recounted, “Patti LuPone was holding court and people were coming in, and there was all kinds of Broadway gossip happening.” Cannavale even took the opportunity to go behind the bar, gathering invaluable insights from the actual bartenders about their work and how it might have changed over the decades. This personal touch significantly contributed to the authentic feel of the performances. For fans of Broadway history, Lorenz Hart himself was a colossal figure, as explored by Playbill.com.
Cannavale’s Homecoming and the Enduring Authenticity
For Cannavale, portraying a Sardi’s bartender was something of a homecoming. Having worked in numerous New York City bars before his acclaimed acting career, he felt a deep connection to the recreated set. “Not Sardi’s,” he clarified, “but yeah it did feel pretty authentic to the actual Sardi’s for sure.” This endorsement from an actor with firsthand experience in the city’s bar scene speaks volumes about the production’s success in capturing the essence of the legendary establishment.
Sabrina Lantos, Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics
Why ‘Blue Moon’s’ Sardi’s Matters for Classic Film Fans
The recreation of Sardi’s in “Blue Moon” is more than just a backdrop; it’s a testament to the enduring power of classic Broadway and Hollywood’s dedication to historical fidelity. For fans of classic films and theatre, this detailed set allows for an immersive experience, placing them directly within the historical moment of Broadway’s vibrant 1940s. The film offers a rare glimpse into the atmosphere that shaped legendary careers and iconic works, all rendered with an impressive commitment to detail, from the color tones to the very caricatures on the wall. This meticulous approach ensures that “Blue Moon” isn’t just a film about Broadway; it’s a piece of Broadway history brought to life.
