Simon Rich, Cecily Strong, and Beck Bennett on 'All Out: Comedy About Ambition'

About 'All Out: Comedy About Ambition'

• 🎭 The show 'All Out: Comedy About Ambition' is a live performance of Simon Rich's short stories, featuring a rotating cast of comic actors and music by the New York funk band Lawrence.
• 🎯 The production is described as ambitious, with sets by Tony nominee David Kors and direction by Tony winner Alex Timbers, featuring 17 rotating actors.
• 💡 Simon Rich was inspired to write about ambition after his previous show, 'All In: Comedy About Love,' focusing on characters who are ambitious but don't quite achieve the recognition they desire.

The Creative Process and Performances

• ✍️ Simon Rich explains that the earliest stories are about 20 years old, while the most recent are from the past year, and revisiting past material is fun, though some pieces don't hold up.
• 🎭 Beck Bennett likens the show to 'SNL on Broadway,' a performed reading that is fully staged with drawings and the energetic live music of Lawrence.
• 🎤 Cecily Strong, who saw 'All-In' last year, jumped at the opportunity to be in 'All Out,' even while filming another show, highlighting her commitment to the project.
• 🤝 Beck Bennett's involvement stemmed from a previous collaboration with Simon Rich, including a short story for Audible, and he appreciated the chance to work together again.

Performance Dynamics and New York Themes

• 🔄 The show's elasticity is a key thrill for Rich, as each comedian brings a distinct energy, making the material change and evolve weekly.
• 🎭 Performers like Cecily Strong and Beck Bennett navigate the unique performance style, balancing teleprompters, books, and engaging with fellow actors.
• 🏙️ The show explores themes relevant to New York City, with one story from the city's perspective resonating deeply with audiences who see themselves in the struggles and choices of living there.
• 🎭 Beck Bennett discusses his role in 'The Emperor's New Clothes,' highlighting the fun of a dramatic turn and the balance between genuine emotion and a more "gross" characterization.

The Role of Music and Audience Interaction

• 🎶 The band Lawrence was involved thematically, with their existing songs resonating with the show's themes of fear of failure, insecurity, and jealousy.
• 🎻 Lawrence not only performs their songs but also provides live scoring and sound effects, creating a dynamic experience akin to a 1940s radio show.
• 😂 Performers like Cecily Strong and Beck Bennett sometimes break character due to the humor, especially when performing with comedians like Jim Gaffigan, embracing these moments as part of the show's fun.

New Projects and Future Endeavors

• 🎙️ Cecily Strong and Kyle Mooney host a new podcast called 'What's Our Podcast?', where guests suggest topics for them to explore in a subsequent studio session.
• 📺 Cecily Strong is also working on an Amazon show within 'The Boys' universe.
• 🎬 Simon Rich is currently working on screenplays, though details are kept confidential.