Arts & Entertainment
‘The Book of Mormon' Stars Reunite For Hilarious 'Gutenberg' Musical
Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells are back on Broadway in 'Gutenberg!' See them now thru Jan 28 only.
If you're still kicking yourself for not catching Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells in "The Book of Mormon" back in 2011, you're in luck: 12 years later, Broadway's best buds are back together in “Gutenberg! The Musical!" It’s the funniest thing to come to Broadway since 1448 (which is the year that Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press — but more on that later).
“Gutenberg! The Musical” is now in performances until Jan. 28, 2024 at the James Earl Jones Theatre in Manhattan. It’s the can’t-miss musical of the year, and as The New York Times’ Jesse Green noted, “We could all use a good laugh nowadays. Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells land every joke. They couldn’t be better.”
So what exactly is “Gutenberg! The Musical!" about, and why are critics and audiences alike loving the show? Keep reading to find out.
A Hilarious New Musical About An Unintentionally Hilarious New Musical!
Written by Scott Brown and Anthony King — the mastermind writers behind the musical adaptation of “Beetlejuice” — “Gutenberg! The Musical!" is a self-proclaimed “love letter to Broadway.”
Originally developed at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and running at the New York Musical Theatre Festival in 2005 and 2006, “Gutenberg! The Musical!” made its off-Broadway debut in December 2006. Now the show, which has been produced across the world — including runs in London, Australia, Spain and Korea — is taking the Broadway stage for the first time in its history.
This multi-character show-within-a-show features Josh Gad playing Bud Davenport and Andrew Rannells as Doug Simon, two ambitious musical theater writers who embarked on a journey to write a musical based on Johannes Gutenberg, who (as we mentioned before) invented the printing press in 1448. But financial strains, limited expertise in the realm of Broadway and a lack of knowledge on their subject require Davenport and Simon to conjure up false stories on their subject while embodying every role themselves — leading to hilariously impassioned performances as the duo pitch their ideas to producers during a backer’s audition.
These heartfelt, yet deliberately flawed, performances by the characters are partnered with the show’s use of comedic props, such as an overabundance of custom-printed hats which Gad and Rannells don throughout to comically represent other characters — including hats that read “Drunk #1,” “Doctor” and “Dead Baby.”
The “Gutenberg! The Musical!" stars’ chemistry is undeniable, too. As Greg Evans wrote for Deadline, “Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells cement their challenge to Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick as Broadway’s leading comedy duo.”
Broadway’s Best Buds Are Back!
For fans wondering why it took Gad and Rannells over a decade to reunite, it's fair to say they've both been busy.
“Gutenberg! The Musical!" marks Gad’s return to Broadway after more than 12 years. He's been active in film and TV roles, voicing Olaf in "Frozen" and "Frozen 2," plus having roles in "Murder on the Orient Express," "Pixels," "Avenue 5" and "Wolf Like Me."
Rannells is no stranger to TV and film, having been part of HBO's "Girls" (which got him a Critics Choice Nomination), Netflix's "Big Mouth" and NBC's "Will & Grace” — as well as a role in the upcoming movie “Our Sun.” But unlike Gad, Rannells didn’t stray too far from the stage following the success of “The Book Of Mormon.” His long list of credits includes work in “Hamilton,” “Jersey Boys,” “Hairspray” and “Falsettos” (which received a Tony Award® nomination).
Speaking of recognizing Broadway’s Best, Tony Award® winner Alex Timbers (acclaimed for his work as director of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” among others) is directing “Gutenberg! The Musical!”
Getting Ready For A Night With ‘Gutenberg!’
“Gutenberg! The Musical!" is a limited engagement run and will be closing on Jan. 28, 2024. Tickets are selling fast, and you'll kick yourself if you miss the chance to see Gad and Rannells yukking it up in this absurdly delightful comedy.
Located in the heart of Times Square, the James Earl Jones Theatre is easy to get to. "Gutenberg! The Musical!" caters more so to adults, particularly those who could use a belly laugh.
Tickets start at just $49.00 (subject to service fees) and are available online, via phone by calling Telecharge at 212-239-6200 or directly through the box office (operating hours between 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12:00-6:00 p.m. on Sundays).
