George Clooney’s Broadway Debut in Good Night, and Good Luck Sets Box Office Ablaze
The Hollywood icon takes on Edward R. Murrow in a timely stage adaptation, drawing A-list crowds and record-breaking ticket sales at Winter Garden Theatre.
New York, NY – George Clooney, the Oscar-winning actor and director, has finally stepped onto the Broadway stage, and the results are nothing short of historic. His debut in Good Night, and Good Luck, a stage adaptation of his 2005 film, opened on April 3, 2025, at the Winter Garden Theatre. Playing the legendary journalist Edward R. Murrow, Clooney has captivated audiences, earned a Tony nomination, and shattered box office records, with the play grossing over $4 million in a single week—the first non-musical play in Broadway history to do so. Here’s everything you need to know about this must-see production.
A Timely Tale of Truth and Journalism
Good Night, and Good Luck, co-written by Clooney and Grant Heslov, transports audiences to the 1950s, a time of McCarthyism’s paranoia and propaganda. The play chronicles Murrow’s courageous on-air battle with Senator Joseph McCarthy, whose anti-communist witch hunts gripped America. Directed by Tony Award-winner David Cromer (The Band’s Visit), the production highlights the power of journalistic integrity in the face of fearmongering—a message that resonates deeply in 2025’s polarized media landscape.
Clooney, who played producer Fred Friendly in the original film, steps into Murrow’s shoes, delivering a performance critics call “witty, intense, and laser-focused.” The New York Times praised Cromer’s “suave direction” and Clooney’s “charming modesty,” naming the play a Critics’ Pick. While some, like The Guardian, noted a stiffness in the adaptation, the production’s relevance and lavish set design by Scott Pask have earned widespread acclaim.
Star Power On and Off Stage
The cast is a powerhouse, featuring Ilana Glazer (Broad City) as Shirley Wershba, Glenn Fleshler (Barry) as Fred Friendly, and Clark Gregg (The Avengers) as Don Hollenbeck. The ensemble, including Paul Gross, Fran Kranz, and Carter Hudson, brings the bustling CBS newsroom to life. The production’s technical brilliance—featuring Heather Gilbert’s lighting, Daniel Kluger’s sound, and David Bengali’s video projections—has garnered four Tony nominations alongside Clooney’s nod for Best Actor.
Opening night on April 3 was a star-studded affair, with Jennifer Lopez, Cindy Crawford, Hugh Jackman, Uma Thurman, and Clooney’s ER co-stars Julianna Margulies, Anthony Edwards, and Noah Wyle in attendance. Journalists like Lesley Stahl, Jake Tapper, and Gayle King also joined the celebration, underscoring the play’s relevance to today’s media. Clooney’s wife, Amal Clooney, missed the premiere to stay with their twins, Ella and Alexander, but the family has relocated to NYC to support his 99-performance run through June 8, 2025.
Record-Breaking Box Office Success
Good Night, and Good Luck has redefined Broadway economics. Grossing $3.3 million during previews and peaking at $4 million for the week ending May 4, 2025, it surpassed the previous record set by Denzel Washington’s Othello. With average ticket prices at $303 and premium seats reaching $825, the play recouped its $9.5 million production costs in just seven weeks, a rare feat for a non-musical. Posts on X buzz with excitement, with fans calling it a “hot ticket” and praising Clooney’s transformation, complete with dyed hair for Murrow’s look.
Controversy and Modern Relevance
The play’s new ending, featuring a montage of news footage from the World Trade Center’s destruction to the January 6 Capitol attack and a controversial clip of Elon Musk allegedly making a Nazi salute, has sparked debate. Some, like X user @ClayTravis, argue it undermines the play’s message about media trust by implying a false accusation, drawing parallels to McCarthy’s tactics. Clooney defends the addition, noting in a 60 Minutes interview that it reflects attacks on journalism, including lawsuits against news outlets by Donald Trump’s administration. The montage aims to let audiences draw their own conclusions, though it’s divisive among viewers.
Why You Should See Good Night, and Good Luck
- Clooney’s Star Power: A rare chance to see the Hollywood legend live in his first Broadway role since 1986’s Vicious.
- Timely Themes: A powerful reminder of journalism’s role in democracy, echoing today’s challenges with disinformation.
- Stellar Production: Tony-nominated design and direction elevate this 1-hour-40-minute, intermission-free drama.
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[](https://www.todaytix.com/nyc/shows/41006-good-night-and-good-luck-on-broadway)
Plan Your Visit
Good Night, and Good Luck runs at the Winter Garden Theatre (1634 Broadway, NYC) through June 8, 2025. Tickets start at $288, with $49 lottery and $69 standing-room options available. Recommended for ages 13+, the show prohibits children under 4. Book via Telecharge.com or TodayTix.com to catch this limited 99-performance run.
Don’t miss George Clooney’s Broadway triumph! Follow Good Night, and Good Luck on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
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