Sean Hayes, the scene-stealing actor who entered American’s heart on the popular sitcom Will & Grace, has the role of a lifetime coming up on stage. He’s playing.. wait, wait a minute, darn I just had it… that’s right he’s playing Oscar Levant. Wait, who? You’re not alone in your wondering.
Hayes confessed that he had no idea either who Levant was when someone first suggested he portray the famous midcentury wit, writer, musician, composer and star.
Hayes told the New York Times: “If I had nothing to do with this show, I would be absolutely enthralled with this human being that is Oscar Levant — he’s just incredible,” Hayes said in a telephone interview. “I’m just surprised how famous he was, and now nobody knows who he is.”
That won’t be the case for long, if Hayes has anything to do with it. He’ll be playing Levant on Broadway next spring (April 7 previews) in Goodnight, Oscar written by Doug Wright and directed by Lisa Peterson. Want to get to know Oscar beforehand, so as to be even more startled by Hayes in the role? Here are some of Levant’s books — ranging from 1940 to 1968.
And the “unimportance” apparently exaggerated — otherwise, no play!
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