The stage adaptation of Good Night, and Good Luck, based on the 2005 film by George Clooney and Grant Heslov, was initially conceived with a modern, digital twist. The original script imagined the 1950s broadcast world recreated through LED panels—a sleek, two-dimensional aesthetic suited to our screen-driven era.
However, director David Cromer chose a different path, one that leaned into tactile realism and depth. Rejecting the digital approach, Cromer insisted on constructing a fully immersive, physical world to bring the CBS newsroom and Edward R. Murrow’s legacy to life.
Recreating 1950s Broadcast Studio with Precision, Depth, and Period-Accurate Theatrical Design
Cromer’s choice to take the more challenging route reflected his deep trust in classic theatrical techniques. Instead of depending on digital effects, he brought in Scott Pask, an acclaimed set designer with a background in architecture and three Tony Awards. Together, they set out to build a faithful representation of the 1950s CBS newsroom.
Their aim was to immerse the audience in Murrow’s reality, capturing both the historical accuracy and the emotional urgency of the era. This dedication to realism shaped the direction and feel of the entire show.
Good Night, and Good Luck Hits Broadway with Clooney and a Stunning 1950s Newsroom Brought to LifeScott Pask’s set design, now Tony-nominated, was central to the play’s dramatic power. It included carefully arranged elements to replicate the original studio environment, down to details like Grand Central Terminal’s iconic arched windows, which overlook the performance space.
The layout captured both the atmosphere and geography of the historic newsroom, evoking the original “See It Now” studio situated above the terminal. It allowed the actors to move through a dynamic, textured space that mirrored the intensity of live television in the McCarthy era.
A Visually Complex Stage Designed to Keep Clooney Always in the Spotlight
In the large Winter Garden Theater, accommodating an audience of 1,537, the creative team had to carefully consider how the elaborate set interacted with the performance. One priority was ensuring the visibility of George Clooney, who portrays Murrow.
With so much going on visually, it was vital that the star remained in clear view at crucial moments. Set designer Pask noted that any moment where Clooney might be obscured was fleeting, reflecting their meticulous planning to keep the audience engaged and oriented.
Starring a Tony-nominated Clooney and featuring portrayals of influential figures like Fred Friendly and Don Hewitt, this production of Good Night, and Good Luck goes beyond mere nostalgia—it’s a bold, high-profile theatrical event. As one of the most sought-after tickets this spring, the show revives a crucial moment in media history for contemporary audiences.
The upcoming live broadcast of its penultimate performance on CNN and online highlights its continued relevance, emphasizing how Murrow’s confrontation with McCarthy still resonates in today’s media environment.