Oh, Hello on Broadway | Nick Kroll, John Mulaney + More | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Nick Kroll and John Mulaney bring comedic alter egos to Broadway.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] JOHN MULANEY: We were in a taxi cab, and I saw Chelsea Piers and I wanted to go to the climbing wall to do a little upskirt photography. But while we were here, we thought we'd bang out a couple of gorgeous glam shots for our Broadway premiere. NICK KROLL: We also came to Chelsea Piers because we thought that there was an orthodox b... Read More

Key Insights

• Nick Kroll and John Mulaney's Broadway show 'Oh, Hello' features their alter egos Gil Faizon and George St. Geegland, two opinionated 70-something bachelors from New York's Upper West Side.
• The characters were inspired by real-life observations of older men in New York City, particularly their unique fashion sense and mannerisms.
• 'Oh, Hello' combines scripted and improvisational elements, ensuring each performance is unique and fresh for the audience.
• The show is a comedic homage to Broadway, blending satire with genuine affection for theater, and features a segment called 'Too Much Tuna' with a different guest each night.
• Alex Timbers, known for his innovative theater work, directs the show, which aims to bring alt-comedy to a broader audience, attracting younger, diverse theatergoers.
• The show has evolved over a decade, starting from small comedy clubs to its current Broadway production, reflecting Kroll and Mulaney's deep friendship and comedic partnership.
• Kroll and Mulaney maintain a balance between honoring theatrical traditions and infusing their unique comedic style, creating a 'polished garbage' aesthetic.
• The comedic duo plans to continue performing as Gil and George, potentially until they naturally age into their characters, highlighting their commitment and love for these roles.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Nick Kroll and John Mulaney develop their characters for 'Oh, Hello'?

The characters Gil Faizon and George St. Geegland were inspired by real-life observations of older men in New York City. Kroll and Mulaney noticed two older men buying the same book and followed them to a diner, imagining them as lifelong friends who share a Murphy bed. This encounter sparked the creation of their comedic alter egos.

Q: What makes 'Oh, Hello' unique compared to other Broadway shows?

'Oh, Hello' is unique due to its blend of scripted and improvisational comedy, ensuring each performance is different. The show satirizes Broadway while expressing genuine affection for theater. It also includes a segment called 'Too Much Tuna,' featuring a different celebrity guest each night, adding variety and surprise to every performance.

Q: What role does director Alex Timbers play in the production of 'Oh, Hello'?

Alex Timbers, known for his innovative theater work, directs 'Oh, Hello,' bringing alt-comedy to Broadway. He assembled a talented team to create a polished yet intentionally low-fi aesthetic. Timbers' direction balances the show's comedic elements with theatrical traditions, making it accessible to a broader audience and attracting younger theatergoers.

Q: How has 'Oh, Hello' evolved over the years?

'Oh, Hello' has evolved from small comedy club performances to a full Broadway production. The characters of Gil and George were developed over a decade, with Kroll and Mulaney honing their act through various formats, including television appearances and live shows. This evolution reflects their deep friendship and commitment to these roles.

Q: What is the significance of the 'Too Much Tuna' segment in 'Oh, Hello'?

The 'Too Much Tuna' segment is a comedic highlight of 'Oh, Hello,' where a different celebrity guest is brought on stage each night. This segment showcases Kroll and Mulaney's improvisational skills and allows for unique interactions with guests, keeping the show fresh and engaging for the audience.

Q: How do Kroll and Mulaney view their comedic alter egos, Gil and George?

Kroll and Mulaney view Gil and George as extensions of their comedic personas, allowing them to explore exaggerated aspects of their own personalities. The characters are a mix of satire and homage to the quirky, opinionated older men of New York City. Kroll and Mulaney's deep friendship is reflected in the characters' dynamic.

Q: What challenges do Kroll and Mulaney face in performing 'Oh, Hello'?

One challenge is maintaining the freshness of the performance, as the show combines scripted and improvised elements. Kroll and Mulaney also strive to balance the comedic and theatrical aspects, ensuring the show feels both polished and authentically low-fi. Additionally, they aim to keep the audience engaged by incorporating new material and guest interactions.

Q: What future plans do Kroll and Mulaney have for 'Oh, Hello'?

Kroll and Mulaney plan to continue performing as Gil and George, potentially until they naturally age into their characters. They hope to capture the show's essence in a recorded format for posterity, while recognizing that the live theater experience is irreplaceable. Their commitment to these roles reflects their passion for comedy and theater.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Nick Kroll and John Mulaney's 'Oh, Hello' is a Broadway comedy featuring their alter egos, Gil Faizon and George St. Geegland, two eccentric bachelors. The show blends scripted and improvised comedy, offering a unique experience each night.

• Directed by Alex Timbers, the production is both a satire and a love letter to Broadway, aiming to attract a younger, diverse audience. It features the popular 'Too Much Tuna' segment with different celebrity guests.

• The characters originated from Kroll and Mulaney's observations of older New York men and have evolved over a decade. The duo plans to continue performing these roles, reflecting their deep friendship and comedic chemistry.