Frankie and Johnny Tickets

By: Terrence McNally
Director: Arin Arbus
Producer: Hunter Arnold, Debbie Bisno and Tom Kirdahy
Cast list: Audra McDonald (as Frankie) and Michael Shannon (as Johnny)
Design: Riccardo Hernandez
Lighting: Natasha Katz
Costume: Emily Rebholz
Sound: Nevin Steinberg
Other info: Hair, Wig & Makeup by J. Jared Janas

The central question of Terrence McNally’s “Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune” is familiar to anyone who’s ever gone on a date in the oversaturated dating pool of New York City: Can a first date lead really to love? Frankie (Audra McDonald) and Johnny (Michael Shannon) star in this revival about two middle-aged, lonely New Yorkers. He’s a short-order cook she’s a waitress. He’s falling for her—but she’s wary of romance and dismisses their first date as a one-night stand. In the confines of Frankie’s one-bedroom apartment, the characters probe at their fears and take small steps to entertain the idea of a relationship. This intimate portrait of connection is no ordinary romantic plot; the play digs into the challenges of love and the universal need to find companionship. And in the light of the moon, Frankie and Johnny just might find it.

“Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune” opened off Broadway at Manhattan Theatre Club in 1987 with Kathy Bates and F. Murray Abraham in the titular roles. That production ran for two years at various Off-Broadway theaters. McNally adapted the play into a film in 1991, directed by Gary Marshall. The film, called “Frankie and Johnny,” featured Michelle Pfeiffer and Al Pacino. In 2002, “Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune” opened on Broadway at the Belasco Theatre, starring Edie Falco and Stanley Tucci.

Guests must be 16 or older due to adult language and sexual content.

What to watch for

“Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune” will appear on Broadway as playwright Terrence McNally celebrates his 80th birthday.

This production marks the Broadway debut of director Arin Arbus.

Audra McDonald has won Tony Awards for her performances in two Terrence McNally works — “Master Class” in 1996 and “Ragtime” in 1998.

The title gets its name from Claude Debussy's song “Clair de Lune,” which the character Johnny requests on the radio during the play.