Joan Rivers to Narrate Henry Bushkin's New Johnny Carson Musical; But Who Will Play Her Part?

The New York Post writes that author and lawyer Henry Bushkin is in New York City casting for his new Johnny Carson/TONIGHT SHOW musical, based on his book about the late-night host. Among the roles to be filled is that of Joan Rivers, legendary comedienne who passed away this week at the age of 81. No word yet on who is being considered, but we can't wait to find out who will take on the iconic part!

"She comes on 'Tonight' as a young comedienne and does a hilarious monologue," Bushkin told the Post. "It shows how good she was, how funny she was. And she's the narrator through the whole play."

Rivers was Carson's substitute host for THE TONIGHT SHOW until they had a falling out in 1986. Carson refused to speak with Rivers after she started her own late-night show without consulting him.

"I created a rapprochement between them in the play," Bushkin said. "Joan and I talked about this. I told her, 'This is my opportunity to make it all good between you.' And she loved the idea. She and Johnny really did get along."

Among the 21 other roles to be cast are Bushkin, Carson, Carson's wife Joanna, producer Freddie de Cordova, Ed McMahon, and guests Carl Sagan and Don Rickles.

As BroadwayWorld previously reported, jazz artist Steve Tyrell is writing the music, and rehearsals were set to begin at Bushkin's home in upstate Bedford this summer.

NBC's TONIGHT began in 1953 with host Steve Allen. Johnny Carson hosted THE TONIGHT SHOW for 30 years, having received six Emmy Awards, the Governor's Award and a 1985 Peabody Award. He was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1987 and was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992, seeing a Kennedy Center Honor the following year. Carson stepped down as host in 1992, when he passed the torch to Jay Leno.

Joan Rivers' Broadway credits include Fun City, Broadway Bound and Sally Marr...and her escorts, for which she received a Drama Desk Nomination as Outstanding Actress in a Play and a Tony Nomination for Best Actress in a Play. For a look back at Rivers' multi-faceted career, including hosting stints on THE TONIGHT SHOW, click here.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride