Lucky Guy

Starring: Tom Hanks, Peter Gerety, Maura Tierney, Courtney B. Vance, Peter Scolari, Christopher McDonald, Michael Gaston
Directed by: George C. Wolfe
Written by: Nora Ephron
Genre: Drama
2013

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Based on the true story of journalist Mike McAlary (Tom Hanks), who courts controversy while working to uncover the truth in several high profile cases.

Review:

Tim: I've said many times in reviews on the site that Tom Hanks is hands-down my favorite actor of all time. It's been that way for decades. So, when I saw that he was going to make his Broadway debut, acting on stage for the first time in multiple decades, I knew I had to make it to the show. My wife and I traveled to New York City and caught the show at the Broadhurst Theater, one of its 104 performances (plus 33 previews). It's hard for me to review the show, to some extent- I watched it, transfixed, feeling immense gratitude for being in the same room as my all-time favorite actor, getting to watch him perform on stage. That is a memory I'll always cherish.

As far as the play itself, I'd call it "good", but never really great. The play was written by the legendary Nora Ephron and first performed posthumously. I felt fortunate to see this performed, as it was a story close to her own heart. It was also directed by George C. Wolfe, so again, pretty solid creative team in place. The story of Mike McAlary was interesting, but he's a complicated guy. I wouldn't say I loved him as a character, nor did I easily become swayed by the memory of the hard-boiled journalist days. I was intrigued by the story and the characters, but I never felt much of an emotional connection to any of them. The story was interesting- I was never bored, but it's not as powerful and memorable as I wish it had been. Reflecting back, I didn't remember the broad strokes of Mike's story. It's interesting that this was based on a true story, and I did appreciate learning more about McAlary. I just never felt any deep investment in him, or the other characters.

Hanks was great in the play, though. To see him on stage, playing this boastful character with immense swagger, it was so entertaining. You could tell he enjoyed being on stage, challenging himself in this way for the first time in decades. He was nominated for a Tony for his performance, but sadly, didn't win. I truly loved getting to watch him act here. He has a terrific partner in Courtney B. Vance. I've long appreciated Vance and his incredible talent, and he blew me away with his performance here. Vance did win a Tony, for Best Featured Actor in a Play- and I think he deserved it. He humanizes this character, establishes some connection with the audience. It was fun to watch him work. Maura Tierney gives a nice performance, too. I wish she had more time on the stage, but she's a strong actress and I enjoyed her work here. I also liked Michael Gaston- he stands out as memorable in my mind, giving a strong performance. I like Christopher McDonald, but to be honest, I remember nothing about his performance.

While I might never have loved the play, I really liked getting to see this throwback story about journalism. There's something so cinematic about journalism- how many all-time movies have been set in this world? While Lucky Guy isn't strong enough to be included among the top tier of them, getting to see this world depicted on stage did feel like a treat. This world is mostly gone now, so it felt worthwhile to explore it on the stage.

When I think about this play, I consider it good- I was never bored and I enjoyed the production. It felt like a labor of love for everyone involved. For me, though, the biggest takeaway was getting to see Tom Hanks on stage. I've seen every movie he has ever made, and to be able to add his Broadway debut on top of that feels like an incredible gift.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: N/A



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