Talk about wearing many hats! Rather than attempting to explain the (convoluted, yet surprisingly relevant) plot of Gutenberg! The Musical! – I’m going to give you the top 5 reasons you should shuffle on down to the James Earl Jones Theatre and say Gutentag to this unique, intentional, and zany show that’s loosely about Johannes Gutenberg and the invention of the printing press (kinda…sorta)
1.) Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad.
Need I say anymore? This super smart casting should be enough of a reason in and of itself – this is the first time the duo has been back on Broadway together since originating their Tony nominated roles of Elder Kevin Price (Rannells) and Elder Arnold Cunningham (Gad) in the 2011 original cast of The Book of Mormon. And I can confirm, Gad & Rannells are not only at their 2011 comedic finest, but they bring a matured and refined level of expertise to the roles of New Jersey best friends, Doug Simon (Rannells) and Bud Davenport (Gad). Using their impeccable comedic timing, remarkable physicality and raw talent, the duo invites and engages the audience to join them on this wild ride of a show, full of twists and turns galore.
2.) It’s giving early 2000s UCB, in the best way.
Gutenberg! The Musical! Originated in the same way that a lot of my favorite cultural highlights from the early 2000s pop culture starts – at the United Citizens Brigade. Everything about Gutenberg reeks of experimentation and abides by the ever-famous improv philosophy of “Yes, And!” – The various places that the plot goes, the use of historical fiction and 10+ roles that each actor on stage plays in the duration of one performance allows the production to own these creative choices. Whether it initially makes sense, it all calls back togethers, as any UCB show would make sure of. Since one of the show’s main themes appears to be history, here’s a brief history of Gutenberg! The Musical! The show was written by Tony nominees Scott Brown & Anthony King (Music, Lyrics, Book) and was originally a one act that premiered and was developed at the UCB there inn 2005 and then a two-act version premiered in London in 2006, followed by a production in the New York Musical Theatre Festival in 2006, followed by an Off-Broadway run later that year, where it won both Lortel & Outer Critics Awards for Best Musical. Which then brings us to our next point…
3.) Alex Timbers
It is rare that a show goes 17 years between productions and they can share the same director. Tony Winner Alex Timbers directed both the 2006 Off-Broadway production (for which, he won Best Director of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards) and the current Broadway production. Coincidence that the Broadway production is as successful on a larger stage? We think not. Timber’s direction provides a necessary structure, but offers plenty of room for Gad and Rannells to play and bring their own personal flares to Doug and Bud (and all the other characters they take on). In short, the show is about attempting to put on a show and the choices that are made to get to the very moment that the audience is seeing. To Timbers’ credit, he clearly trusts his actors wholeheartedly and his direction allows for Gad & Rannells to shine for the choices they have the agency to make in the moment, while moving the storyline along and making it all make sense in the end.
4.) Relevance
Yes, this is a kind of show about nothing and also all the things. (Seinfeld energy, anyone?) but what might have surprised me most was its relevance to current events and themes.
Literacy and illiteracy are at the forefront of this musical. Both highlighting the importance of reading, informing oneself of secular viewpoints and world happenings – more or less, the duty to do your societal due diligence and educate yourself and others. And dually exploring the perils of a lack of education and a lack of conversation amongst generations and those with opposing viewpoints. It boils down to one of the main morals that we can all take with us – communication and education are key.
Throughout the duration of the show, another common theme that was addressed was antisemitism. And while there are jokes written satirically poking fun of antisemitism, seeing “antisemite” (who were illiterate, by the way) on one hat felt oddly, even more relevant now than when this was written in the early 2000s.
5.) You Never Know Who Your Producer May Be
Without giving away too many details, let’s just say there’s a surprise guest at the end. A magical producer, who appears just in time to miraculously save Bud and Doug’s dreams with a big Broadway contract in hand. But that savior of dreams could be anyone. The night we went, it was Steven Gutenberg (meta; I know) – you’ll just have to go to a performance of Gutenberg! The Musical! To see who yours is.
Gutenberg! The Musical! Is playing at the James Earl Jones Theatre on January 28th, 2024. Visit https://gutenbergbway.com/for more information and tickets.
