My mom was meant to review GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK, but it didn’t record properly, so, as her “understudy,” I’m tagging in. The reason this is important is that she’s a retired theatre teacher and was alive (although very young) during the McCarthy trials and has a perspective far more powerful than mine on what this show and subject mean.
I remember seeing the original GOOD NIGHT and GOOD LUCK [2005] in theaters and not fully understanding why it was so well-reviewed. Twenty years later, I get it. The story universally captures the essence of resisting the control of powerful oligarchies and fighting to expose the truth. It’s even more relevant now with Trump in office, and the Broadway version is a smashing takedown that draws not-so-subtle parallels to his administration (and even Biden’s).
I can’t believe that I’m saying this, but GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK [2025] is the first time in history that a Broadway show has been broadcast live on national television worldwide. SHE LOVES ME gets an honorary credit for streaming on Broadway HD in 2016, but it wasn’t as accessible as George Clooney is in his Tony-nominated play.
Everyone deserves to see this ninety-minute gut-punch of a political thriller. It’s a stark reminder of the world we live in and showcases the best technical capture of a Broadway show on TV (#SorryNotSorry HAMILTON).
The true story of McCarthy versus Murrow was “See it Now” worthy news back in the 1950s. It’s a credit to George Clooney for turning a dialogue-heavy movie into such a compelling Broadway (dare I say) musical(?). By utilizing real footage from McCarthy, Clooney and his theatre production masterfully make it feel like audiences are in the newsroom during those challenging times. Also, Clooney. Freaking, give this man the Tony tonight. He’s that good at playing Murrow and, strangely, warning the world about the current state of the U.S. government at the same time.
My only nit against GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK [2025] is that it takes a little while to get going. But once it ramps up, it becomes the most thoughtful portrayal I’ve seen about “power unchecked” and “what we are prepared to do to save us.”
As I’m writing this review, ICE is causing havoc in Los Angeles, and Musk is feuding with Trump while the rest of the world watches. Taking a page from Murrow, all I can say to America these days is – “Good night, and good luck.”
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GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK [2025] played live on CNN June 7th and will wrap up its Broadway run on June 8th.