BWW Reviews: SAY GOODNIGHT GRACIE Graces Us with Remembering 100 Years of George Burns

Say Goodnight Gracie opened Off-Broadway at the St. Luke's Theatre with all the charm, style and sophistication you'd expect from George Burns' legendary years in the spotlight.  2003 Tony Nominee for "Best Play" and Winner of the "Outer Critics Circle" Award, Say Goodnight Gracie returns to New York as a wonderfully sentimental, nostalgic ride down memory lane, reliving the laughs, hardships, and unending love of George Burns and Gracie Allen.

The stage opens to vast fog where Burns finds himself in limbo, or, as he puts it, "in Buffalo." He is asked to audition before God, where he then recounts his entire life story from his early childhood days as Nathan Birnbaum who lives with his father, mother, and eleven Brothers and Sisters, to his days of forming the "Pee Wee Quartet," to unsuccessful vaudeville acts, until finally forming a partnership and lifelong love with Gracie Allen. The audience is intimately involved in every detail, joke, success, tragedy, death of loved one, and even their own best kept secrets.

Through his own personal recollections, we are told about Burns' "illogical logic," Gracie's superior talent (according to George) and how they reversed roles so that her humor could shine, Gracie's near-marriage with Benny Ryan, their mutual friendship with Jack Benny, their rise and success in vaudeville, radio, TV, and film, and then Gracie's ongoing health problems which led to her eventual death.

Although a one-man show, Gracie's presence comes skillfully alive on various recordings and projected images and film clips. We are truly 'graced' with her presence, humor, hilarious skits, and comfort with which she clearly displays on screen and with her partner on stage and in life. A favorite was when Burns asked her, "Gracie, weren't you supposed to go to Dublin to visit your brother?" to which she replied, "Well, when I was going to the airport, the sign said 'airport left,' so I turned around and went home." This was one of many to follow, with a common subject of jokes being about her brother.  Of course, at the end of every broadcast, Burns said, "Say goodnight, Gracie," and she replied simply, "Goodnight."

Joel Rooks is captivating in this one-man show, with each gesture, puff of cigar, and raspy voice completely capturing every essence and fundamental quality of George Burns. He is lovable, humble, charming, authentic, and very endearing as he takes us through his life journey from beginning to sweet end.

Brilliant playwriting by Rupert Holmes, Say Goodnight Gracie is a timeless, feel-good show that will not only appeal to the Golden Aged audience, but the younger ones as well. A fresh, classic, life story, told through personal recollections and accounts, will leave you feeling nostalgic as you relive hilarious routines and gain an intimate look into the beautiful unending love of George Burns and Gracie Allen. The only thing left to say is... "Thank you for the opportunity."

The playing schedule for Say Goodnight Gracie is Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 2PM. St. Luke's Theatre is located at 308 West 46th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues. Tickets from $29.50 to 59.50 are available at www.telecharge.com or by calling 212/239-6200. For more information visit www.saygoodnightgracie.net.

Running time: 85 minutes without intermission

Photo Credit:  Scott Myers

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