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Act One 2014

Opened: April 17, 2014
Closing: June 15, 2014

Act One - 2014 Broadway History , Info & More

Vivian Beaumont Theatre (Broadway)
150 West 65th St. at Broadway New York, NY 10023

When the playwright and director, Moss Hart, published his autobiography, "Act One," in 1959 it was a sensation, filled with vivid recollections of colorful characters, especially Hart's first great collaborator, the brilliant George S. Kaufman.

The book gave a fascinating insider's view of how a show really gets to the stage. Many people feel it has never been bettered. "Act One" was more than just a Broadway tale, though. It was a bestseller for almost a year, topping the New York Times list for 41 weeks. Why would this story of the playwright and director's early years be so wildly and widely popular?

We think it's because "Act One" is not just the ultimate valentine to the theater. It is also a Dickensian story of a young immigrant and his family, struggling to escape poverty in the early 20th century. From tenements to glamorous townhouses, from Buffalo stages to Catskills summer camps, and finally to the Broadway of his dreams, Hart's masterful telling captures the hope, misery and comedy of the climb, but also the glee of making it - because he did! A classic New York story.

Now, almost 75 years after Moss Hart's first Broadway success, James Lapine (who knows a thing or two about collaboration from his many shows written with Stephen Sondheim) brings ACT ONE to the stage. He has written and directs this world premiere production at the Beaumont. Tony Shalhoub, playing both George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart as an adult, is familiar to LCT audiences as the father in Golden Boy for which he was nominated for a Tony Award last season. Santino Fontana (the Tony-nominated prince in Broadway's Cinderella) portrays Mr. Hart as a young man. Andrea Martin (Tony winner for her spectacular turn as Berthe in Pippin, and also for LCT's My Favorite Year) plays Aunt Kate, a pivotal figure in Hart's early life.


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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Act One

Broadway Review: ‘Act One’ Starring Tony Shalhoub
6 / 10

Moss Hart has a lot to answer for. Just think how many future brain surgeons and rocket scientists were lost, lured to Gotham to pursue a theater career after reading 'Act One,' the eminent Broadway playwright-director's captivating 1959 showbiz autobiography. Still, Hart can't be blamed for the missteps of playwright-director James Lapine in adapting that seminal book. Having learned the tricks of the trade from the great George S. Kaufman, Hart would surely have taken a scalpel to this verbose, unwieldy, overacted production -- but kept the spotlight on winning star turns by Santino Fontana and Tony Shalhoub.

First Nighter: Moss Hart's 'Act One' in Two Great, Big Acts
7 / 10

When theater veteran Moss Hart published his bestselling Act One in 1959, he packed a lot into it about his impoverished childhood and neophyte playwriting years with the already famous, successful and legendarily acerbic George S. Kaufman. James Lapine, who's adapted the chockfull memoir at the Vivian Beaumont, packs just as much into it--and what can seem like even more--on Beowulf Boritt's magnificent three-story revolving set.

DVR Alert - Broadway's ACT ONE with Tony Shalhoub & Santino Fontana Airs Tonight on LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER
by BWW News Desk - November 13, 2015


ACT ONE, Lincoln Center Theater's Tony Award-nominated production from last year, written and directed by James Lapine from the autobiography by Moss Hart, will air on PBS's LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER tonight, November 13, 2015 from 9 to 11:30 p.m. ET.

Broadway's ACT ONE with Tony Shalhoub & Santino Fontana to Air Next Month on LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER
by BWW News Desk - October 8, 2015


ACT ONE, Lincoln Center Theater's Tony Award-nominated production from last year, written and directed by James Lapine from the autobiography by Moss Hart, will air on PBS's LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER on Friday, November 13, 2015 from 9 to 11:30 p.m. ET.

VIDEO: Tony Shalhoub to Star with Wife Brooke Adams in Beckett's HAPPY DAYS
by Caryn Robbins - June 13, 2014


Tony Shalhoub stopped by last night's LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS to talk about his role in the Broadway play, 'Act One.'

TV: ACT ONE's Beowulf Boritt on Taking the 2014 Tony for Best Scenic Design of a Play
by BroadwayWorld TV - June 8, 2014


As announced earlier this evening, Beowulf Boritt won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Scenic Design of a Play. BroadwayWorld's own Richard Ridge was in the press room to catch up with the winner on what the award means to him - hear what Boritt had to say below!

ACT ONE's Beowulf Boritt Wins Tony for Best Scenic Design of a Play
by BWW Special Coverage - June 8, 2014


ACT ONE's Beowulf Boritt has won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Scenic Design of a Play. Act One marks Boritt's LCT debut. His Broadway credits include The Scottsboro Boys (Tony nomination), Sondheim on Sondheim, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, LoveMusik, Rock of Ages, Chaplin, Bronx Bombers, Grace, The Two and Only.

Broadway's ACT ONE with Tony Shalhoub & Santino Fontana to be Filmed for LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER!
by Tyler Peterson - June 5, 2014


Lincoln Center Theater's Tony Award-nominated production of ACT ONE, written and directed by James Lapine from the autobiography by Moss Hart, will be filmed for Live from Lincoln Center for an anticipated broadcast on PBS at a future date, it has just been announced. ACT ONE which is up for 5 Tony Awards this Sunday, including Best Play, runs through June 15 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater.

In the Spotlight Series: In the Tonys Photo Booth with Nominees Beowulf Boritt and Dan Moses Schreier
by Walter McBride - May 28, 2014


Below you can check out photos of Beowulf Boritt and Dan Moses Schreier, nominated for Best Best Scenic Design of a Play and Best Sound Design of a Play for Act One, in the BroadwayWorld.com series 'In the Spotlight' by acclaimed photographer Walter McBride!

TV Exclusive: Meet the 2014 Tony Nominees- ACT ONE's Beowulf Boritt and Dan Moses Schreier
by Nicole Rosky - May 12, 2014


Today we continue our Tonys coverage with Beowulf Boritt and Dan Moses Schreier, nominees for Best Best Scenic Design of a Play and Best Sound Design of a Play for Act One. Check out what they had to say below!

Lincoln Center Theater Launches Playwriting Contest in Conjunction with ACT ONE
by Tyler Peterson - May 6, 2014


In honor of playwright Moss Hart, Lincoln Center Theater offers a "once in a lifetime" playwriting contest in conjunction with its Tony nominated play, Act One. ACT ONE, a play written and directed by James Lapine, from the autobiography by Moss Hart, is currently playing at the Vivian Beaumont Theater (150 West 65th Street).

BWW Interview: Andrea Martin, Times 3, in ACT ONE
by Naomi Serviss - May 6, 2014


Martin portrays three characters in is James Lapine's adaptation of the autobiography of the theater legend Moss Hart.

LCT's Platform Series to Continue with ACT ONE's Tony Shalhoub, Santino Fontana & Andrea Martin, 5/8
by Tyler Peterson - April 28, 2014


Lincoln Center Theater's Platform Series, a forum for public discussion between Lincoln Center Theater artists and interested theatergoers, continues its 16th season on Thursday, May 8 at 6 pm with SANTINO FONTANA, ANDREA MARTIN and TONY SHALBOUB, cast members of ACT ONE, currently playing at the Vivian Beaumont Theater.

BWW Reviews: ACT ONE Really Picks Up In Act Two
by Michael Dale - April 18, 2014


James Lapine's adaptation of Moss Hart's classic autobiography is a love letter to Broadway.

Photo Coverage: Tony Shalhoub, Santino Fontana & ACT ONE Cast Celebrate Opening Night!
by Walter McBride - April 18, 2014


The Lincoln Center Theater (under the direction of Producing Artistic Director Andre Bishop) production of Act One, a play written and directed by James Lapine from the autobiography by Moss Hart, just opened last night, April 17, at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre. The cast features Bob Ari, Bill Army, Will Brill, Laurel Casillo, Chuck Cooper, Santino Fontana, Steven Kaplan, Will LeBow, Mimi Lieber,Charlotte Maier, Noah Marlowe, Andrea Martin, Greg McFadden, Deborah Offner, Lance Roberts,Matthew Saldivar, Matthew Schechter, Tony Shalhoub, Jonathan Spivey, Wendy Rich Stetson, Bob Stillman and Amy Warren. BroadwayWorld was there for the special night and you can check out photos from the after party below!

Review Roundup: ACT ONE Opens on Broadway - All the Reviews!
by Review Roundups - April 17, 2014


The Lincoln Center Theater (under the direction of Producing Artistic Director Andre Bishop) production of Act One, a play written and directed by James Lapine from the autobiography by Moss Hart, opens tonight, April 17, at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre. Let's see what the critics had to say...

TV: Sneak Peek of Tony Shalhoub, Santino Fontana, Andrea Martin & More in ACT ONE
by Nicole Rosky - April 15, 2014


The Lincoln Center Theater (under the direction of Producing Artistic Director Andre Bishop) production of Act One, a play written and directed by James Lapine from the autobiography by Moss Hart, is currently in previews at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre. The cast features Bob Ari, Bill Army, Will Brill, Laurel Casillo, Chuck Cooper, Santino Fontana, Steven Kaplan, Will LeBow, Mimi Lieber, Charlotte Maier, Noah Marlowe, Andrea Martin, Greg McFadden, Deborah Offner, Lance Roberts, Matthew Saldivar, Matthew Schechter, Tony Shalhoub, Jonathan Spivey, Wendy Rich Stetson, Bob Stillman and Amy Warren. Act One will open on Thursday, April 17. BroadwayWorld brings you highlights of the cast in action below!

LCT's Platform Series to Continue with ACT ONE's James Lapine, 4/8
by Tyler Peterson - April 3, 2014


Lincoln Center Theater's Platform Series, a forum for public discussion between Lincoln Center Theater artists and interested theatergoers, continues its 16th season on Tuesday April 8, at 6 pm with JAMES LAPINE, the playwright and director ACT ONE.

Photo Flash: First Look at Tony Shalhoub, Santino Fontana & Andrea Martin in ACT ONE
by Nicole Rosky - April 1, 2014


The Lincoln Center Theater (under the direction of Producing Artistic Director Andre Bishop) production of ACT ONE, a play written and directed by James Lapine from the autobiography by Moss Hart, is currently in previews at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre. The cast features Bob Ari, Bill Army, Will Brill, Laurel Casillo, Chuck Cooper, Santino Fontana, Steven Kaplan, Will LeBow, Mimi Lieber, Charlotte Maier, Noah Marlowe, Andrea Martin, Greg McFadden, Deborah Offner, Lance Roberts, Matthew Saldivar, Matthew Schechter, Tony Shalhoub, Jonathan Spivey, Wendy Rich Stetson, Bob Stillman and Amy Warren. ACT ONE will open on Thursday, April 17. BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the cast in action below!

Welcome Moss Hart Back to Broadway - Meet the Full Cast of Lincoln Center's ACT ONE, Beginning Tomorrow!
by Meet the Cast - March 19, 2014


Lincoln Center Theater presents Act One, a play written and directed by James Lapine from the autobiography by Moss Hart. The production is scheduled to begin previews tomorrow night, March 20 and will open on Thursday, April 17 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater (150 West 65 Street). Scroll down to learn more about the full company, plus check out the latest TV spot for the production!

STAGE TUBE: Watch Tony Shalhoub, Santino Fontana & Andrea Martin in ACT ONE TV Spot!
by Nicole Rosky - March 12, 2014


Lincoln Center Theater will soon present Act One, a play written and directed by James Lapine from the autobiography by Moss Hart. The production is scheduled to begin previews Thursday, March 20 and open on Thursday, April 17 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater (150 West 65 Street). The play will feature Bill Army, Will Brill, Laurel Casillo, Chuck Cooper, Steven Kaplan, Will LeBow, Mimi Lieber,Charlotte Maier, Andrea Martin, Deborah Offner, Matthew Saldivar, Matthew Schechter, Bob Stillman,Amy Warren, Santino Fontana and Tony Shalhoub. BroadwayWorld brings you the just-released television spot, featuring Shalhoub, Fontana & Martin, below!

Photo Coverage: Meet the Company of Broadway's ACT ONE- Santino Fontana, Tony Shalhoub, Andrea Martin & More!
by Walter McBride - March 5, 2014


Lincoln Center Theater will soon present Act One, a play written and directed by James Lapine from the autobiography by Moss Hart. The production is scheduled to begin previews Thursday, March 20 and open on Thursday, April 17 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater (150 West 65 Street). The play will feature Bill Army, Will Brill, Laurel Casillo, Chuck Cooper, Steven Kaplan, Will LeBow, Mimi Lieber, Charlotte Maier, Andrea Martin, Deborah Offner, Matthew Saldivar, Matthew Schechter, Bob Stillman,Amy Warren, Santino Fontana and Tony Shalhoub. The company met the press yesterday and BroadwayWorld was on hand for the big event. Check out complete photo coverage below!

Act One History

Other Productions of Act One

2014   Broadway Lincoln Center Production
Broadway

Act One - 2014 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2014 BroadwayWorld Awards Best Play James Lapine
2014 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Sound Design in a Play Dan Moses Schreier
2014 Drama League Awards Distinguished Performance Award Tony Shalhoub
2014 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Actor in a Play Tony Shalhoub
2014 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play Andrea Martin
2014 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding New Broadway Play Act One
2014 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Set Design (Play or Musical) Beowulf Boritt
2014 Tony Awards Best Costume Design of a Play Jane Greenwood
2014 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play Tony Shalhoub
2014 Tony Awards Best Play James Lapine
2014 Tony Awards Best Play Lincoln Center Theater
2014 Tony Awards Best Play Andre Bishop
2014 Tony Awards Best Play Adam Siegel
2014 Tony Awards Best Play Hattie K. Jutagir
2014 Tony Awards Best Scenic Design of a Play Beowulf Boritt
2014 Tony Awards Best Sound Design of a Play Dan Moses Schreier

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