Jimmy Fallon Takes Centre Stage In ALL IN

Broadway is buzzing with excitement as Jimmy Fallon, the much-loved late-night host and Saturday Night Live alumnus, steps onto the Hudson Theatre stage for his Broadway debut in ALL IN: A COMEDY ABOUT LOVE By Simon Rich. Running from 28 January to 2 February, Fallon’s stint in the production is short but sweet—and comes amidst a whirlwind of star-studded cast rotations that reflect the show’s vibrant, ever-evolving nature. If you’re a fan of comedy, romance, or simply want to see big-name performers treading the boards, this limited engagement might be just the ticket.

Despite the glitz and glamour, ALL IN: COMEDY ABOUT LOVE BY SIMON RICH has more to offer than celebrity cameos. Adapted from short stories originally published in The New Yorker, the play unpacks themes of dating, heartbreak, and marriage. The comedic vignettes are woven together with a splash of live music, courtesy of The Bengsons, who perform iconic tracks from The Magnetic Fields—especially selections from the celebrated album 69 Love Songs, which heavily influenced Simon Rich as he crafted the script. Under the direction of Alex Timbers, this production not only charts romantic misadventures but also gives audiences a front-row seat to the comedic talents of an eclectic ensemble. Here’s an inside look at what makes this show such a captivating and unique addition to the Broadway landscape.

A Rotating Lineup Of Star Power

One of the show’s biggest talking points is its revolving cast of well-known faces from the worlds of theatre, television, and comedy. With Lin-Manuel Miranda, Aidy Bryant, and Nick Kroll already in the mix, ALL IN: A COMEDY ABOUT LOVE has been delighting Broadway-goers with its rotating cast since the beginning of its run. Andrew Rannells recently departed the production, handing the baton (or microphone) to Fallon for his inaugural bow on the Great White Way. Once Fallon finishes on 2 February, audiences can look forward to a fresh wave of performers, including David Cross (4–9 February), Annaleigh Ashford and Tim Meadows (both 4–16 February), and Hank Azaria(11–16 February).

Such a high turnover of star performers ensures that no two weeks of ALL IN: A COMEDY ABOUT LOVE are exactly the same. For Broadway devotees and casual fans alike, it’s the sort of event that tempts you back for multiple viewings, each offering a distinct onstage dynamic. The show’s producers, Seaview and Lorne Michaels, have certainly tapped into a brilliant concept: harnessing the drawing power of multiple high-profile names while emphasising the universality of Rich’s comedic narratives.

Capturing The Spirit Of Modern Romance

Far from relying solely on star wattage, ALL IN: A COMEDY ABOUT LOVE stands strong on the merit of its thematic material. Based on short stories from The New Yorker, the play feels fresh, witty, and at times wonderfully absurd—encompassing all the joys, pains, and peculiarities of love in the modern age. Simon Rich is known for his sharp observational humour, having written for Saturday Night Live in addition to crafting pieces for The New Yorker. His literary pedigree lends the production a sense of authenticity and credibility: according to various interviews, Rich has been fascinated by love and relationships for years, and many of his comedic pieces dissect romance’s inherent awkwardness and unpredictability.

For audience members, this means you can expect a flurry of comedic set-ups and punchlines that reflect the collective dating experience—whether it’s that mortifying first encounter, the struggle of keeping long-term love alive, or the timeless meltdown of a catastrophic break-up. Supporting data from Broadway box office reports indicate that comedic plays with contemporary themes often fare well with younger crowds, who are drawn to modern references and fast-paced, sketch-like narratives. ALL IN: A COMEDY ABOUT LOVE appears to confirm this trend, packing the house and receiving glowing reviews for its comedic spin on 21st-century romance.

Bringing Music And Story Together

While the play is rooted in Rich’s comedic prose, its musical elements are far from an afterthought. The Bengsons—Abigail and Shaun Bengson—perform live on stage, punctuating scenes with emotive songs selected from The Magnetic Fields. In particular, 69 Love Songs, a 1999 concept album by Stephin Merritt, serves as the show’s primary source of inspiration. Described by many as a seminal piece of indie pop history, 69 Love Songs offers an expansive catalogue of tracks that muse on love’s highs, lows, and bizarre tangents. It’s not difficult to see why it resonated so strongly with Rich’s brand of humour.

In an era where the lines between theatre, concert, and immersive performance are often blurred, integrating live music into comedic theatre can greatly enhance the emotional impact. When paired with Rich’s witty text, each song choice underscores the comedic or heartfelt beats of the storyline. For example, if a character suffers an outrageously painful break-up, hearing a track that either parallels or playfully contrasts that heartbreak helps audiences gain deeper insight into the emotional resonance behind the laughs.

Smart Design And Onstage Magic

Given the show’s comedic nature, you might assume minimal production design. However, the creative team behind ALL IN: A COMEDY ABOUT LOVE has gone all out. David Korins’ scenic design captures the spirit of multiple short stories taking place in varied settings, ensuring swift transitions between scenes, whilst Jake DeGroot’s lighting design cleverly mirrors the show’s comedic peaks and emotional dips. Jennifer Moeller’s costume design ensures that each character’s look matches the eccentricities of the love stories, while Peter Hylenski’s sound design enhances every comedic cue and musical moment.

Additionally, video projections by Lucy MacKinnon add a touch of whimsy, aiding the show’s many scene changes and bridging stories in a visual, fluid way. The presence of The New Yorker cartoonist Emily Flake also proves integral, with her illustrations adorning parts of the production, offering glimpses of the comedic lens through which Rich’s original stories were depicted in print.

Broadway Meets Big-Name Producers

If the rotating celebrity cast and comedic premise aren’t already enough to pique your interest, the production credits might. A collaborative effort between Seaview and Lorne Michaels (the creator and executive producer of Saturday Night Live), ALL IN: A COMEDY ABOUT LOVE also has backing from New Yorker Studios—the media powerhouse that originally published Rich’s short stories. Micah Frank and Caroline Maroney are producing for Michaels’ Broadway Video, supported by Wagner Johnson Productions as the general manager.

Considering the comedic legacy of Saturday Night Live, it’s hardly a surprise that the production boasts a distinctly SNL-flavoured wit. This comedic backbone, combined with Rich’s narrative style and Timbers’ directorial flair, helps make ALL IN: A COMEDY ABOUT LOVE a standout entry in the Broadway calendar. Some theatre analysts have even begun to draw parallels between this production and the comedic musicals helmed by talents like Tim Minchin(an Australian theatre figure who melds comedy and music in shows such as Matilda). While the subject matter is different, the comedic tone and blend of live music may appeal to those who enjoy theatre that pushes boundaries and refuses to take itself too seriously.

A Unique Format For Theatregoers

What truly sets ALL IN: COMEDY ABOUT LOVE BY SIMON RICH apart is its anthology structure, seamlessly merging multiple short comedic narratives into one cohesive event. In a world where many stage productions present a single, linear storyline, Rich’s format embraces variety, ensuring that each segment maintains a sense of novelty. This approach not only keeps audiences engaged, but also highlights the show’s universal theme: love comes in all shapes and sizes, from the fleeting to the long-lasting, from the sweetly sentimental to the hilariously catastrophic.

The rotating cast amplifies this effect. Because new performers are often introduced into existing sketches, each performance sparks a fresh exchange of comedic timing. The production becomes an ever-shifting tapestry rather than a static show. In a climate where theatre prices can be daunting, a production that offers genuine replay value—simply by changing who’s on stage—feels like a welcome innovation for Broadway audiences.

Falling Head Over Heels

In a theatrical landscape that often leans on grand musicals and classic revivals, ALL IN: A COMEDY ABOUT LOVE stands out with its effervescent collage of short stories, a parade of star performers, and a modern comedic sensibility. By weaving together live indie-pop music, comedic vignettes that ring true to contemporary dating rituals, and a rotating lineup of well-known faces, the show offers a fresh and playful take on the universal theme of love.

At its core, the production underscores a simple truth: love can be chaotic, exhilarating, and downright funny. Whether you find yourself relating to an awkward first date, a moment of heartfelt connection, or the bittersweet end of a relationship, there’s something universally resonant about this anthology of hilarious (and sometimes painful) romantic misadventures. If you believe in the power of laughter to illuminate life’s more complicated emotions—or simply want an entertaining night out—then this limited run at the Hudson Theatre could be your next must-see.