Key Highlights
- “All Out” is a unique comedy show on Broadway that features rotating casts of comedians.
- The standout performance was Jenny Slate’s monologue as Paul Revere’s horse, Oatsy.
- The production struggles with a lack of common narrative and disjointed transitions between stories.
- Despite its uniqueness, the show fails to match the engagement and energy of traditional Broadway productions.
You might think this is new, but…
Let’s get one thing straight: Joeyanna Hodnett’s review of All Out isn’t a groundbreaking piece. It’s a familiar take on the genre—another attempt to shake things up in the staid world of Broadway.
The Cast
“All Out” has an impressive lineup, with big names like Sarah Silverman and Jenny Slate. But it’s the rotation that makes the show feel fresh. This week, Jake Shane, Ray Romano, Nicholas Braun, and Jenny Slate stepped into the spotlight. They were accompanied by the band Lawrence, which added a concert-like vibe to the proceedings.
The Monologue
Jenny Slate’s monologue was a highlight. Imagine her narrating as Paul Revere’s horse, Oatsy—she made it captivating. The audience laughed out loud at her performance. It was the standout moment in what could be an otherwise uneven show.
The Flaws
But let’s not sugarcoat it: there are flaws. The narrative lacks a common thread, making transitions feel disjointed. Some stories felt rushed while others dragged on.
And here’s the kicker: the actors were reading their lines from books. It took me out of the moment for some parts.
The Ambition
There’s an ambitious concept here—a show about comedians reading stories they wrote. But it works better as a concert performance than a theatrical one. The music by Lawrence was spectacular, but it might have been more impactful with choreography or props.
The actors could have used the space to better engage the audience.
Ultimately, All Out is a fun and easy watch for those looking to avoid showtunes. It’s definitely geared towards an older audience seeking a comedy night out. However, it struggles to match the engagement of traditional Broadway productions.
