Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Celebrity Crowd Gathered for Clooney’s Press-Focused Play Amid Market Turmoil
Amidst market volatility sparked by new tariffs from President Trump, a constellation of stars convened at the Winter Garden Theatre in Midtown Manhattan for the premiere of a play celebrating journalism. The production casts a critical eye on right-wing politics and features performers reflecting on a sense of global disorientation.
Star-Studded Audience Attends Opening Night
Notable attendees included MSNBC personalities Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O’Donnell, positioned prominently in the theater alongside CBS’s Gayle King. Actresses Uma Thurman and Kylie Minogue were also present, adding to the celebrity ambiance.
Clooney’s New Play: A Political Statement on Broadway
The presence of Jennifer Lopez was anticipated, given her close ties to the play. The co-writer and lead actor of “Good Night, and Good Luck” is George Clooney, her former co-star in the 1998 Steven Soderbergh film “Out of Sight.”
“Good Night, and Good Luck,” adapted from Clooney’s 2005 film, transports audiences to the 1950s era of McCarthyism and the red scare.
Play Revisits Murrow’s Stand Against McCarthyism
The narrative centers on Edward R. Murrow, the iconic CBS news anchor who utilized his platform to challenge Senator Joseph R. McCarthy and dismantle the government’s anti-communist crusade.
Clooney’s Political Views and Media Commentary
Clooney’s Democratic affiliations are widely recognized. A prominent fundraiser for the party, he previously advocated for President Biden to step aside in a guest essay for The New York Times.
Leading up to the play’s debut, Clooney emphasized in a CBS News interview the vital role of journalism in a democratic society. He also voiced concerns about potential undue influence of media owners, particularly regarding their relationships with figures like Mr. Trump.
Trump Responds to Clooney’s Media Criticism
Upon learning of Clooney’s remarks, Mr. Trump responded via his social media platform, Truth Social, questioning the credibility of “60 Minutes” and referring to Clooney as a “second rate movie ‘star,’ and failed political pundit.”
Celebrity Support for Clooney’s Theater Project
Despite the criticism, Clooney’s celebrity appeal was evident Thursday as he received strong support from figures such as Graydon Carter, editor of Airmail and a frequent Trump critic known for deriding him as a “short-fingered vulgarian.”
Comedian and actor Richard Kind, who worked with Clooney on an unsuccessful 1980s television pilot, also attended in support. Kind famously received a $1 million gift from Clooney after his success with “E.R.”
Kind Praises Clooney’s Generosity
“He’s the greatest guy,” Kind remarked, jokingly adding he would welcome further financial assistance, quipping, “In New York it goes like that. I’ve got three kids in private school.“
“Good Night, and Good Luck” Performance and Themes
As the theater lights dimmed, a vocalist performed Nat King Cole’s “When I Fall In Love.” Clooney then appeared on stage in a dark suit, his hair, in a shade of brown his children reportedly “laugh at,” setting the stage for his performance.
Clooney delivered a monologue urging the audience to “recognize that media, in the main, is being used to distract, delude, amuse and insulate us.”
The subsequent 90-minute performance drew parallels between the challenges faced by Murrow in the 1950s and contemporary issues confronting journalists.
The play depicted Clooney, portraying Murrow, facing discouragement from an actor embodying Bill Paley, the former CBS chief.
Media Figures in Attendance
ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos, whose network recently settled a defamation suit with Mr. Trump for $15 million, was among the audience. The suit stemmed from Stephanopoulos’s on-air misstatement regarding the nature of a legal finding against Trump.
Post-Play Reception at New York Public Library
Despite the play’s serious themes, attendees appeared cheerful as they exited the Winter Garden, proceeding to an after-party at the New York Public Library.
Wintour and Michaels at Post-Premiere Event
In the library lobby, transformed into the event space, Condé Nast’s Anna Wintour approached “Saturday Night Live” creator Lorne Michaels, expressing her gratitude for his Met Gala RSVP.
“I’m so happy you’re coming,” she stated, mentioning to a nearby reporter that it would be “his first time.”
Clooney and Lopez Interactions at After-Party
Amidst circulating waiters serving refreshments, Ms. Lopez greeted Mr. Clooney, praising his performance as “wonderful” and “amazing,” and playfully claimed credit for vocal support during the play.
Clooney’s Political Future Speculation
Nearby, a reporter questioned Rande Gerber, Clooney’s friend and business partner in Casamigos tequila, about the possibility of the Broadway show foreshadowing a future political run for Clooney.
“I think a lot of people wish he would,” Mr. Gerber responded. “But I have no knowledge he is.”
Clooney Dismisses Political Aspirations
When directly asked about political ambitions, Clooney shook his head, offered a smile, and stated he was “so much happier” focusing on projects like “Good Night, and Good Luck.”
He added that he enjoys “pick[ing] fights,” particularly with Mr. Trump, whose economic policies he strongly opposes.
Clooney then expressed optimism regarding the Democratic Party’s prospects and engaged with other attendees before departing.