Broadway is gearing up for a laughter explosion with All Out: Comedy About Ambition, a new Simon Rich play bringing together an unprecedented ensemble of comedic giants including Jon Stewart, Heidi Gardner, Ray Romano, and Sarah Silverman for a limited 12-week run. Directed by Tony winner Alex Timbers and featuring live music by the acclaimed Lawrence band, this follow-up to last season’s hit All In: Comedy About Love promises a fresh, hilarious take on the human drive for success, ego, and the quintessential New York hustle.
The lights of Broadway are set to shine on an extraordinary collection of comedic talent this December, as All Out: Comedy About Ambition prepares for its debut at the Nederlander Theatre. This highly anticipated production, a conceptual successor to the popular All In: Comedy About Love, is poised to become a landmark event in live comedy and theater. With a rotating cast of some of the funniest people on Earth and a creative team lauded for its innovative approach, All Out offers a unique theatrical experience that delves into the hilarious complexities of ambition, ego, and greed, particularly within the bustling landscape of New York City.
The All-Star Ensemble: A Broadway Debut for Many
A remarkable aspect of All Out: Comedy About Ambition is the sheer star power making its Broadway debut. Comedy veterans such as Jon Stewart, known for his incisive wit and tenure as host of The Daily Show, will grace the Broadway stage for the first time. Stewart’s comedic journey includes early success hosting The Jon Stewart Show, an MTV late-night talk show from 1993 to 1995, as detailed by IMDb. This rich history in television comedy sets a fascinating precedent for his live theatrical performance.
Joining Stewart in their Broadway debuts are an array of beloved comedians and actors. According to People, this list includes:
- Heidi Gardner
- Ray Romano
- Sarah Silverman
- Eric Andre
- Abbi Jacobson
- Ben Schwartz
- Jason Mantzoukas
- Craig Robinson
- Nicholas Braun
This stellar lineup ensures a diverse range of comedic styles and a fresh perspective on theatrical performance for many of these household names.
Heidi Gardner’s Post-SNL Journey to Broadway
The announcement of Heidi Gardner’s participation is particularly notable, as it marks her first major project since her widely reported departure from Saturday Night Live after eight seasons. Her transition to the Broadway stage in All Out, produced in part by longtime SNL mastermind Lorne Michaels, signifies an exciting new chapter in her career. Fans are eager to see Gardner’s unique brand of humor translate to the live theatrical format, a testament to her versatility and appeal.
The Visionary Team Behind the Laughter
At the heart of All Out: Comedy About Ambition is the celebrated writer Simon Rich. Known for his distinctive comedic voice and hilarious short stories, Rich’s work promises to be both insightful and uproariously funny. The play is directed by Tony winner Alex Timbers, whose previous Broadway credits include the visually stunning Moulin Rouge! The Musical and last season’s highly successful All In: Comedy About Love. This reunion of Rich and Timbers suggests a continuation of the innovative and engaging theatrical experiences that captivated audiences previously.
The stories presented in All Out will explore themes of ego, envy, greed, and the broader experience of being a New Yorker, offering a relatable yet exaggerated look at the human condition through a comedic lens.
Original Music by Lawrence: A Soul-Pop Soundtrack for Ambition
Adding another layer of artistry to the production is the inclusion of original music performed live by the eight-piece soul-pop band Lawrence. Fronted by sibling duo Clyde and Gracie Lawrence, the band will perform between stories, creating a dynamic and immersive atmosphere. Gracie Lawrence is no stranger to the stage, having been a Tony Award nominee for her role in Suffs in 2024, and last seen on Broadway originating the role of Connie Francis in Just In Time. Her brother Clyde expressed his excitement about his first Broadway show, highlighting the fresh energy the band brings to the theatrical world, as seen in a video where the duo humorously announced the cast.
The combination of Rich’s witty narratives and Lawrence’s soulful sound is set to create a truly distinctive theatrical experience, blurring the lines between stand-up comedy, storytelling, and musical performance. Gracie Lawrence’s Tony nomination for her performance in Suffs is well-documented by Playbill, further emphasizing the high caliber of talent involved.
Performance Details and Fan Expectations
All Out: Comedy About Ambition will begin performances on December 12 at the Nederlander Theatre in New York City, running for a limited engagement of 12 weeks. The rotating cast schedule allows audiences to experience different combinations of talent throughout the run, encouraging multiple visits for dedicated fans. Performances are scheduled to feature:
- December 12 – 28: Eric Andre, Abbi Jacobson, Jim Gaffigan, Jon Stewart
- December 22 – January 11: Ben Schwartz (joining Jim Gaffigan)
- December 29 – January 18: Wayne Brady, Cecily Strong
- January 13 – 18: Mike Birbiglia
- January 20 – February 15: Heidi Gardner, Jason Mantzoukas, Craig Robinson, Sarah Silverman
- February 17 – March 8: Nicholas Braun, Ashley Park, Ray Romano
Additional cast members are expected to be announced, keeping the excitement building for this star-studded theatrical event. Tickets officially went on sale on October 16 at 10 a.m. ET, and with such a prestigious lineup, they are sure to be in high demand.
For fans of comedy and innovative theater, All Out: Comedy About Ambition promises to be an unmissable event, offering a rare opportunity to witness a convergence of legendary and rising talents on the iconic Broadway stage.
