Magic/Bird 2012

Run Time:
90 minutes (no intermission)
Opened: April 11, 2012
Closing: May 12, 2012

Magic/Bird - 2012 - Broadway History , Info & More

At the heart of one of the fiercest rivalries in sports, two of the greatest athletes of all-time battled for multiple championships and the future of their sport. Hall of Famers Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird could not have been more different; one black, one white; one an urbanite with a big smile and Hollywood appeal, and the other a quiet small town guy. Johnson and Bird, went head to head, electrified the nation, reinvigorated the NBA, and turned their rivalry into the greatest and most famous friendships in professional sports. With classic NBA footage prominently designed throughout, Magic/Bird transports the audience into the heart of their matchup. From Draft to Olympic Dream Team, the show has a six member cast.

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PREVIEW Magic/Bird - 2012 - Broadway

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Magic/Bird

Basketball Rivals in a Rematch With Low Stakes
5 / 10

“Magic/Bird,” [is] an efficiently informative but uninspired trek through the lives of two towering (forgive the pun) figures in sports history. ... But as depicted by Mr. Simonson, and portrayed by Kevin Daniels (Mr. Johnson) and Tug Coker (Mr. Bird), the dual heroes never emerge as nuanced or magnetic stage figures, and the celebrated rivalry between them — which revived the flagging fortunes of the N.B.A. in the 1980s — stirs little more excitement, since their relationship off the court was one of mutual respect but minimal interaction, and hardly intimate friendship. ... But the primary obstacle in writing about sports stars for the theater is that the achievements that make them inspiring figures are almost always the feats they performed on the court or the field. Those, of course, can probably never be dramatized in any truly engaging manner onstage.

Theater review: 'Magic/Bird'
6 / 10

It has all the depth, nuance and drama you'd find on the back of a bubble-gum card. [...] The actors playing the basketball stars are adequate, although they're considerably shorter than the players' listed heights of 6-feet, 9-inches. To give the illusion of tallness, they stand on platforms built atop the stage, and are surrounded, for the most part, by short supporting actors.

MAGIC/BIRD to Close on Broadway May 12
by Robert Diamond - May 1, 2012

The producers of MAGIC/BIRD announced today that the show will play its final performance on Saturday May 12th.

MAGIC/BIRD Talkback to Feature Dan Lauria and Peter Scolari, 4/18
by Kelsey Denette - April 16, 2012

Fran Kirmser and Tony Ponturo, the producers of the new Broadway play MAGIC/BIRD, announced today that the star of "Lombardi," Dan Lauria, will hold a talkback for ticketholders following the 8pm performance at the intimate Longacre Theatre (220 West 48th Street) this Wednesday, April 18. Lauria, who portrayed the legendary coach Vince Lombardi in the hit play last year, will be joined on stage by his longtime friend Peter Scolari, who is playing legendary coaches Red Auerbach and Pat Riley in Magic/Bird.

STAGE TUBE: Magic Johnson Talks MAGIC/BIRD on 'The View'
by Caryn Robbins - April 13, 2012

NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson appeared on ABC's 'The View' this week to talk about the storied basketball rivalry and unique friendship with fellow basketball player Larry Bird. Their relationship is chronicled in the new Broadway show MAGIC/BIRD which opened Wednesday night, April 11 at The Longacre Theatre.

MAGIC/BIRD Offers $35 Balcony Seats for Today's Matinee, Featuring Talkback With Magic Johnson
by Kelsey Denette - April 13, 2012

Hall of Famer Earvin "Magic" Johnson will hold a talkback for ticketholders following the 2pm matinee performance today at the intimate 900 seat Longacre Theater (220 West 48th Street), the second show following Wednesday's star-studded opening. Johnson, one of the two key subjects (along with fellow Hall of Famer Larry Bird) of the six person original play, will speak with the audience today and give his thoughts.

BWW TV: Chatting with The Company of MAGIC/BIRD on Opening Night!
by Jessica Lewis - April 12, 2012

MAGIC/BIRD opened on Broadway last night, April 11 and BroadwayWorld was at the post-show celebration to chat with the company! Click below to hear from the cast and director Thomas Kail!

Photo Coverage: MAGIC/BIRD Starry Theatre Arrivals
by Walter McBride - April 12, 2012

MAGIC/BIRD opened on Broadway last night, April 11. BroadwayWorld was on hand throughout the evening and brings you photo coverage of the starry theatre arrivals below!

Photo Coverage: MAGIC/BIRD Company Celebrates Broadway Opening at After Party!
by Walter McBride - April 12, 2012

MAGIC/BIRD opened on Broadway Tuesday night, April 10. BroadwayWorld was there to catch the stars, including Larry Bird, Tug Coker, Kevin Daniels, Earvin 'Magic' Johnson and more, in action at the after party and brings you photos below!

Photo Coverage: MAGIC/BIRD Opens on Broadway - Magic Johnson, Larry Bird & More!
by Walter McBride - April 12, 2012

Last night, April 11, MAGIC/BIRD opened on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre, with special appearances by Magic Johnson and Larry Bird themselves. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the opening night curtain call and brings you photo coverage below!

Review Roundup: MAGIC/BIRD Opens on Broadway - All The Reviews!
by Robert Diamond - April 11, 2012

MAGIC/BIRD, a new play from the team that brought LOMBARDI to the stage last season opened tonight, April 11, 2012 on Broadway. Let's see what the critics had to say!

MAGIC/BIRD Opens Tonight on Broadway!
by BWW News Desk - April 11, 2012

MAGIC/BIRD, directed by Tony Nominee Thomas Kail (Lombardi, In The Heights), will officially open with a 7 p.m. performance tonight.

BWW TV: MAGIC/BIRD Production Highlights! First Look!
by Jessica Lewis - April 6, 2012

MAGIC/BIRD, currently in previews, will officially open with a 7 p.m. performance on Wednesday April 11th. The production highlights have been released and BroadwayWorld brings you a first look below!

Magic Johnson Set for MAGIC/BIRD Talkback, 4/13
by Kelsey Denette - April 3, 2012

Fran Kirmser and Tony Ponturo, the producers of the new Broadway play MAGIC/BIRD, announced today that Hall of Famer Earvin "Magic" Johnson will hold a talkback for ticketholders following the 2pm matinee performance at the Longacre Theater (220 West 48th Street) on Friday April, 13th.

MAGIC/BIRD Will Feature Andrew D. Bernstein's NBA Photography
by Kelsey Denette - April 3, 2012

'Magic/Bird,' based on the rivalry and ultimate friendship of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, will feature iconic photos of the Hall of Famers taken by legendary sports photographer Andrew D. Bernstein.

Magic Johnson, Larry Bird to Appear on CBS's DAVID LETTERMAN Opening Night
by Caryn Robbins - April 2, 2012

NBA Hall of Famers Magic Johnson and Larry Bird will visit the LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN, Wednesday, April 11 (11:35 PM-12:37 AM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Their LATE SHOW appearance will take place the same night as the official Broadway premiere of MAGIC/BIRD a play based on their fabled basketball rivalry and their long-standing friendship off the court.

Photo Flash: First Look at Broadway's MAGIC/BIRD!
by Nicole Rosky - March 27, 2012

MAGIC/BIRD, a new play from the team that brought LOMBARDI to Broadway last season, will play the Longacre Theater this sping. Previews began Wednesday, March 21, 2012 and the show will open on April 11, 2012. BroadwayWorld brings you production shots below!

BWW TV EXCLUSIVE: Meet the Company of MAGIC/BIRD on Broadway!
by Jessica Lewis - March 7, 2012

MAGIC/BIRD, a new play from the team that brought LOMBARDI to Broadway last season, will play the Longacre Theater this sping. Previews will begin Wednesday, March 21, 2012 and the show will open on April 11, 2012. In this BroadwayWorld exclusive, we introduce you to the company below! Click for a first look!

Photo Flash: Magic Johnson Visits MAGIC/BIRD Rehearsals!
by Nicole Rosky - February 27, 2012

MAGIC/BIRD, a new play from the team that brought you LOMBARDI on Broadway, will play at the Longacre Theater, 200 West 48th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue, NYC. Previews will begin Wednesday, March 21, 2012. Magic Johnson recently visited the cast at rehearsals and suprised a lucky ticket buyer at the box office. Check out photos below!

UP ON THE MARQUEE: MAGIC/BIRD!
by Up On The Marquee - February 20, 2012

MAGIC/BIRD, a new play from the team that brought you LOMBARDI on Broadway, will play the Longacre Theater beginning Wednesday, March 21, 2012 in anticipation of an April 11, 2012 opening night. Tickets now on sale to the general public by phone 212-239-6200 or online at www.telecharge.com.

MAGIC/BIRD Tickets Now on Sale; Performance Schedule Announced
by Jessica Lewis - February 1, 2012

MAGIC/BIRD, a new play from the team that brought you LOMBARDI on Broadway, will play the Longacre Theater beginning Wednesday, March 21, 2012 in anticipation of an April 11, 2012 opening night. Tickets now on sale to the general public by phone 212-239-6200 or online at www.telecharge.com.

MAGIC/BIRD to Play Longacre Theatre on Broadway
by Robert Diamond - January 17, 2012

Producers of MAGIC/BIRD have announced that the show will play Broadway's Longacre Theater, with previews beginning March 21 and an opening set for April 11 reports the New York Times.

Broadway's MAGIC BIRD Finds Its 'Magic'; Kevin Daniels Leads Cast
by Jessica Lewis - December 20, 2011

MAGIC BIRD has found its "Magic". Producers of MAGIC BIRD, Fran Kirmser and Tony Ponturo report that the most widely asked question throughout the MAGIC BIRD process has been who is going to play Magic Johnson. On December 9th while the basketball fan learned the details of the newly announced NBA Season, in walked actor Kevin Daniels to the Magic Bird audition room.

STAGE TUBE: Thomas Kail, Fran Kirmser and Tony Ponturo Talk MAGIC/BIRD
by Nicole Rosky - December 13, 2011

Producers Fran Kirmser and Tony Ponturo (Lombardi) will next present MAGIC/BIRD on Broadway, reuniting with Tony-nominated director Thomas Kail (Lombardi, In The Heights) and Lombardi playwright and Oscar winner and Emmy Nominee Eric Simonson. The new play chronicles the intertwined life stories of two of the most influential figures in sports and pop culture of the past 25 years, basketball Hall of Famers Larry Bird and Earvin ‘Magic' Johnson. According to an audition notice out today, the production will go into rehearsal on January 23, 2012 and begin previews on February 27. An opening date and theater have yet to be announced. Check out interviews with Kail, Ponturo, and Kirmser below!

Magic/Bird FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Magic/Bird have there been?
Magic/Bird has had 1 productions including Broadway which opened in 2012.

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