New York City Broadway Theater Guide

Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune

Broadway Drama

Previews  July 26 2002
Opened August 8 2002
Closed March 9 2003

Run 15 previews | 243 performances

Running Time  2 hrs 20 mins | 1 intermission

Tickets  $20 to $80

Prices do not include any taxes, service charges or other charges

Restrictions  Children under 4 years old not permitted

Creative  Terrence McNally author | Joe Mantello director

Cast  Rosie Perez | Joe Pantoliano

Opening Night Cast   Edie Falco | Stanley Tucci

Synopsis  Working class romance in New York City between no-stings-attached waitress and quirky fry cook. Passionate sex after a date leads to night of somewhat improbable are-we-in-love, let's-give-this-a-chance bickering. Extensive and very unnecessary full-frontal nudity does help distract from un-witty McNally dialogue. (There aren't any surprises. How's he hung? Average. Is she a natural blonde? Nope.) Mantello's stage directions are very stilted. How long can Frankie futz with the bedspread? And what's with the back-and-forth and more back-and-forth and more back-and-forth with the bread? The toaster's next to the breadbox, put the damn bread in and get it over with already! Falco's Frankie is somewhat restrained and somewhat believable. Tucci does his best with Johnny, gets the right spark out of and builds some sympathy for the "I fell in love the first time I boffed you" character. Tourist-packed audience gave loud standing O; not sure if it was for performances or Falco's bikini line

Notes  Revival of the 1987 Off-Broadway show that starred F Murray Abraham & Kathy Bates