Last week, the Broadway production All In: Comedy About Love made headlines with its impressive weekly box office earnings, surpassing $1 million—a remarkable achievement for any show not titled Mary. Considering that All In is not a traditional play but rather a compilation of readings by short comic fiction author Simon Rich, the box office success felt almost miraculous.

After attending a performance of All In, I can confidently say I’m now a fan of Rich’s work. Directed by the talented Alex Timbers and featuring a rotating cast of four actors—including the exceptional John Mulaney, Fred Armisen, Renée Elise Goldsberry, and Richard Kind—the 90-minute show is a delightful holiday treat, offering a light and humorous experience that is just as entertaining despite its simplicity and lack of extravagant production.

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To clarify any misunderstandings about this unique performance—evident from various audience reviews—All In consists of a series of expertly executed story readings. The performers sit comfortably on stage in stylish mid-century modern chairs, reading from scripts, which adds to the charm of the presentation.

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While I’m unsure if the material varies with different casts—upcoming performers include Lin-Manuel Miranda, Annaleigh Ashford, Hank Azaria, Aidy Bryant, David Cross, and Jimmy Fallon—the stories selected for my evening featured several laugh-out-loud moments, including a series of humorous “Missed Connections” written from a dog’s perspective, such as a playful note about a brief encounter at the dog park.

The show begins with Mulaney, acting as the lead, stepping onto a stage designed by David Korins, reminiscent of a hipster lounge with bookshelves and elaborate chandeliers. The Indie Folk duo The Bengsons provides delightful musical interludes, enhancing the overall experience.

Mulaney’s opening piece could easily fit into his stand-up repertoire. He humorously recounts a shaggy dog story that starts with an old joke about a hard-of-hearing genie and a bar owner with a “12-inch pianist.” Rich, a former Saturday Night Live writer and son of theater critic Frank Rich, skillfully expands this joke into a hilarious narrative that aligns perfectly with Mulaney’s laid-back style, ultimately adding a touch of sweetness typical of Rich’s storytelling.

Among the longer stories, Mulaney and Armisen portray old pirates who are comically out of touch with modernity—Armisen’s character is lactose intolerant, while Mulaney’s pirate reflects on the “subtext” of their adventures. The plot thickens with the introduction of a little girl (Goldsberry) who stows away on their ship, leading to unexpected developments as the pirates realize her map-reading skills could be beneficial.

Like many of Rich’s narratives, this pirate tale, despite its whimsical setting, ultimately explores themes of love in unexpected places, particularly a modern interpretation of domestic affection and the joy it can bring.

Another notable story, “The Big Nap,” features a noir-style detective, voiced by Armisen and Goldsberry, who is actually a two-year-old boy, with his baby sister as the mysterious newcomer. Rich cleverly intertwines the innocence of childhood with the tough dialogue typical of noir films, culminating in a heartwarming sibling bond.

Other stories delve into similarly absurd scenarios, such as a suave Joseph Merrick (The Elephant Man) flirting with his doctor’s wife in 1880s London, and an elderly talent scout (Kind) dealing with Death (Armisen) while caring for his dying wife (Goldsberry).

The evening concludes with a futuristic tale where a little girl presents a school report about her great-grandparents, revealing that she’s discussing Simon Rich (played by Mulaney) and his wife. This blend of absurdity and humor with domestic happiness encapsulates Rich’s unique storytelling style, making it a compelling experience worth exploring.

Title: All In: Comedy About Love

Venue: Broadway’s Hudson Theatre

Written By: Simon Rich

Directed By: Alex Timbers

Cast: John Mulaney, Fred Armisen, Richard Kind, Renée Elise Goldsberry

Running Time: 1 hr 30 min (no intermission)

Person: Simon Rich, Alex Timbers, John Mulaney, Fred Armisen, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Richard Kind, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Annaleigh Ashford, Hank Azaria, Aidy Bryant, David Cross, Jimmy Fallon, Frank Rich, Nathaniel Rich, Joseph Merrick

Company Names: Broadway, Hudson Theatre

Titles: All In: Comedy About Love, Saturday Night Live, The Big Nap, Arrested Development

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