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Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune Revival 2019

Run Time:
Two hours and 15 minutes, with one intermission
Ages: 16+
Opened: May 30, 2019
Closing: July 28, 2019

Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune - 2019 Broadway History , Info & More

Broadhurst Theatre (Broadway)
235 W. 44th St. New York, NY

Record-breaking 6-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald. Two-time Academy Award and Tony Award nominee Michael Shannon. Together, they star in four-time Tony Award winner Terrence McNally's beloved classic, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, directed by downtown visionary Arin Arbus, in her highly anticipated Broadway directorial debut.

These two monumental actors join forces in a play that is as raw as it is romantic, as visceral as it is vibrant, and as funny as it is breathtaking. When a diner waitress and a short order cook meet for a night of fiery passion, they expect a return to loneliness. But as desire turns into the possibility of love, they realize that true connection means being unafraid to reach for the moon.

"Two of the best performances on Broadway. Audra McDonald and Michael Shannon’s chemistry burns up the stage." - The Daily Beast

"Superb! As hilarious as it is touching." - The Hollywood Reporter


Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune - 2019 - Broadway Cast

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune

‘Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune’ Broadway Review: Audra McDonald Sizzles With Michael Shannon
8 / 10

McNally's hopeful and heartfelt dramedy still carries a message for audiences who have grown perhaps even more jaded about love than those of three decades ago. Sex is easy, and intimacy is hard. And cynicism, while always just within reach, doesn't hold a candle to the untrustworthy but undeniable power of sincerity.

‘Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune’: How a Reagan-Era Rom-Com Holds Up
8 / 10

Director Arin Arbus skillfully moves her performers around the stage (grungily built by Riccardo Hernandez and adroitly lit by Natasha Katz) and into and out of their convincingly un-stylish clothing (designed by Emily Rebholz), with no attempt to glam up the crummy Hell's Kitchen studio locale. This is the sort of piece where direction ought to be invisible, just clearing space for the actors to breathe and fill the air, and Arbus does fine work. McDonald's Frankie is perhaps more vulnerable and jittery than the script calls for at times but shows inner strength and fire when needed. It's a pleasure to see Shannon luxuriate in a role that plays to his goofy, boyish side. Together, they forge a bond that's deeply moving, a prickly, organic tapestry of comic fluster, flashes of raw hurt, and pulsing erotic heat.

BWW Flashback: FRANKIE & JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE Plays Final Performance Today
by Nicole Rosky - July 28, 2019


As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Terrence McNally's Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune will play its final performance today, July 28, 2019 at the Broadhurst Theatre. Frankie and Johnny opened officially on Thursday, May 30, 2019 as a 'New York Times Critic's Pick.' Upon closing, the production will have played 70 regular and 26 preview performances.

Breaking: FRANKIE & JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE Will Conclude Broadway this Month
by Nicole Rosky - July 8, 2019


Producers Hunter Arnold, Debbie Bisno and Tom Kirdahy announce today that Terrence McNally's Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune will play its final performance on Sunday, July 28, 2019 at the Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street) on Broadway.

VIDEO: Audra McDonald Talks the Nudity in FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE
by Kaitlin Milligan - June 20, 2019


Audra McDonald was a guest on Thursday's episode of Live with Kelly and Ryan to talk about starring on Broadway in Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune. During the interview, McDonald talks about being nude on stage and where the intimacy in the show really is.

BWW Interview: FALSETTOS Star Max von Essen Talks Touring, Timeliness and the Darker Side of "Marvin"
by Matthew Blank - June 8, 2019


We chat with Max von Essen about his starring role in FALSETTOS. The show plays Kennedy Center June 11-23.

Review Roundup: Audra McDonald And Michael Shannon Star In FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE
by A.A. Cristi - May 30, 2019


The new Broadway production of Terrence McNally's Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, starring Audra McDonald and Michael Shannon, directed by Arin Arbus, opens tonight!

TV: Audra McDonald, Michal Shannon & More Celebrate Opening of FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE
by TV - Opening Night Special - May 30, 2019


Last night, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune celebrated opening night, ahead of tonight's official opening. BroadwayWorld was there for the big night and we're taking you inside the celebration below!

Photo Coverage: On the Red Carpet for FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE
by Walter McBride - May 30, 2019


Last night, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune celebrated opening night, ahead of tonight's official opening. BroadwayWorld was there for the big night and we're taking you to the red carpet below!

Photo Coverage: The Cast of FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE Take Their Bows at the Opening Night Celebration
by Walter McBride - May 30, 2019


Last night, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune celebrated opening night, ahead of tonight's official opening.

Photo Coverage: FRANKIE & JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE Celebrates Opening Night Early!
by Linda Lenzi - May 30, 2019


Last night, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune celebrated opening night, ahead of tonight's official opening. BroadwayWorld was there for the big night and we're taking you inside the celebration below!

TV: On the Red Carpet at FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE
by TV - Red Carpets - May 29, 2019


The new Broadway production of Terrence McNally's Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, starring Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winner Audra McDonald and two-time Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon, directed by Obie Award winner Arin Arbus, opens officially tomorrow, May 30, at the Broadhurst Theater. 

BWW Review: Audra McDonald and Michael Shannon Make Rapturous Music in Terrence McNally's FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE
by Michael Dale - May 30, 2019


'I guess I want you to play the most beautiful music ever written and dedicate it to us,' a hopeful romantic requests of the radio station he's phoned from his date's apartment.

FRANKIE & JOHNNY Celebrates Broadway Opening With $25 Tickets
by A.A. Cristi - May 24, 2019


Twenty-five $25 tickets will be available for the general public to join the opening celebration of the new Broadway production of Terrence McNally's Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune on Wednesday, May 29 at 6:30pm in honor of Terrence McNally's 25 productions on Broadway.

Photo Flash: First Look at FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE
by Julie Musbach - May 15, 2019


Get a first look below at the new Broadway production of Terrence McNally's Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, starring Audra McDonald and Michael Shannon, directed by Arin Arbus.

Photo Flash: Terrence McNally Celebrates 25th Broadway Production; Arin Arbus Makes Broadway Debut With FRANKIE AND JOHNNY...
by Stephi Wild - May 6, 2019


Terrence McNally's Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune starring Audra McDonald and Michael Shannon began performances last night at the Broadhurst Theatre. The night marked a big moment for playwright, Terrence McNally, celebrating his 25th Broadway production, and director Arin Arbus, celebrating her Broadway debut.

Meet the Cast of FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE- Now in Previews!
by Julie Musbach - May 4, 2019


In celebration of four-time Tony Award winner Terrence McNally's 80th birthday, producers Hunter Arnold, Debbie Bisno and Tom Kirdahy announce a new Broadway production of Terrence McNally's Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, starring Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winner Audra McDonald and two-time Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon, directed by Obie Award winner Arin Arbus.

FRANKIE AND JOHNNY... Releases $25 Tickets to 25 Previews
by Julie Musbach - May 3, 2019


On Saturday, May 4 only, the new Broadway production of Terrence McNally's Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune will offer 25 tickets (per performance) for $25 each to the 25 preview performances in honor of Terrence McNally's 25 productions on Broadway.

FRANKIE AND JOHNNY... Announces Rush Policy
by Julie Musbach - May 1, 2019


Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune announces a limited number of $40 general rush tickets will be available at the Broadhurst box office when it opens for that day's performance

Photo Flash: Audra McDonald and Michael Shannon Rehearse for FRANKIE & JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE
by Nicole Rosky - April 24, 2019


The new Broadway production of Terrence McNally's Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, starring Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winner Audra McDonald and two-time Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon, directed by Obie Award winner Arin Arbus, will play the Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street) on Broadway. Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune will begin previews on Saturday, May 4, 2019 and open officially on Thursday, May 30, 2019. The strictly limited 16-week engagement concludes on Sunday, August 25, 2019.

Up on the Marquee: FRANKIE & JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE
by Walter McBride - April 23, 2019


The new Broadway production of Terrence McNally's Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, starring Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winner Audra McDonald and two-time Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon, directed by Obie Award winner Arin Arbus, will play the Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street) on Broadway. Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune will begin previews on Saturday, May 4, 2019 and open officially on Thursday, May 30, 2019. The strictly limited 16-week engagement concludes on Sunday, August 25, 2019.

Photo Coverage: Audra McDonald & Michael Shannon Get Ready for FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE
by Walter McBride - April 18, 2019


The new Broadway production of Terrence McNally's Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, starring Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winner Audra McDonald and two-time Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon, directed by Obie Award winner Arin Arbus, will play the Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street) on Broadway. Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune will begin previews on Saturday, May 4, 2019 and open officially on Thursday, May 30, 2019. The strictly limited 16-week engagement concludes on Sunday, August 25, 2019.

TV: Audra McDonald & Michael Shannon Talk FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE
by Nicole Rosky - April 19, 2019


The new Broadway production of Terrence McNally's Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, starring Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winner Audra McDonald and two-time Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon, directed by Obie Award winner Arin Arbus, will play the Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street) on Broadway. Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune will begin previews on Saturday, May 4, 2019 and open officially on Thursday, May 30, 2019. The strictly limited 16-week engagement concludes on Sunday, August 25, 2019.

FREEZE FRAME: Meet the Company of FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE
by Walter McBride - April 18, 2019


The new Broadway production of Terrence McNally's Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, starring Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winner Audra McDonald and two-time Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon, directed by Obie Award winner Arin Arbus, will play the Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street) on Broadway. Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune will begin previews on Saturday, May 4, 2019 and open officially on Thursday, May 30, 2019. The strictly limited 16-week engagement concludes on Sunday, August 25, 2019.

Photo Flash: First Look at Audra McDonald and Michael Shannon in FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIRE DE LUNE
by Nicole Rosky - March 21, 2019


The new Broadway production of Terrence McNally's Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, starring Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winner Audra McDonald and two-time Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon, directed by Obie Award winner Arin Arbus, will play the Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street) on Broadway. Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune will begin previews on Saturday, May 4, 2019 and open officially on Thursday, May 30, 2019. The strictly limited 16-week engagement concludes on Sunday, August 25, 2019. Check out a just-released photo of McDonald and Shannon below!

Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune History

Other Productions of Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune

1987   Off-Broadway
Off-Broadway
1987   Off-Broadway
Off-Broadway
2002   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
2019   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway

Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune - 2019 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2020 Drama League Awards Distinguished Performance Award Michael Shannon
2020 Drama League Awards Outstanding Revival of a Play Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune
2020 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Revival of a Play Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune
2020 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play Audra McDonald
2020 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Terrence McNally

Videos