All Out opens at the Nederlander Theatre: what to expect

What is “All Out: Comedy About Ambition”?

“All Out: Comedy About Ambition” is a new Broadway event from writer Simon Rich, presenting live comedic readings of his short stories about ego, envy, greed, and New Yorkers being their most, well, New York. Rather than a traditional play, the show assembles four comedians at each performance to bring Rich’s pieces to life, in the spirit of a literary reading turbocharged by stagecraft and star power. The production opens tonight, December 12, 2025, for a 12‑week run at the Nederlander Theatre (208 W 41st St), with an estimated running time of 85 minutes and no intermission. ^{[1] [2]}

When and where

Performances run from December 12, 2025 through March 8, 2026, exclusively at the Nederlander. The Friday, December 12 performance marks opening night, and the engagement is scheduled as a strictly limited run. ^{[3] [4]} For ticket buyers, the show’s official listings also note a typical evening curtain at 8:00 p.m. on opening night. ^[5]

How the format works

Each performance features a rotating cast of four comedic headliners who read Rich’s stories onstage—a structure that refreshes the chemistry from night to night. The core premise is simple: assemble some of the “funniest people on earth,” give them Rich’s sharply observed tales about ambition and status, and let the punchlines (and subtext) land. ^[6]

Who’s making it

The production is written by Simon Rich and directed by Alex Timbers, the Tony‑winning director behind a wide range of comedy‑driven stage hits. Producers include Seaview and Lorne Michaels, with Broadway Video’s Micah Frank and Caroline Maroney also producing. The creative team features David Korins (scenic), Jennifer Moeller (costumes), Jake DeGroot (lighting), Peter Hylenski (sound), Lucy Mackinnon (video), and Kris Kukul (music supervision). Casting is by Taylor Williams, CSA, with Wagner Johnson Productions as general manager and DKC/O&M handling press. ^{[7] [8] [9]}

The rotating cast (highlights and dates)

“All Out” leans into event casting, with different lineups across the run. The announced rosters include, among others: Jon Stewart (Dec 12–21), Eric Andre (Dec 12–28), Abbi Jacobson (Dec 12–28), Jim Gaffigan (Dec 22–Jan 11), Ben Schwartz (Dec 22–Jan 4), Wayne Brady and Cecily Strong (Dec 29–Jan 18), Beck Bennett (Jan 6–18), Mike Birbiglia (Jan 13–18), Heidi Gardner, Jason Mantzoukas, Craig Robinson, and Sarah Silverman (Jan 20–Feb 15), plus Nicholas Braun, Ashley Park, Ray Romano, and Jenny Slate (Feb 17–Mar 8). Always confirm the lineup for a specific performance before purchasing, as casting rotates by date. ^{[10] [11]}

Live music onstage

At every performance, the soul‑pop band Lawrence performs original music live, adding a concert‑like texture between and around the comedic readings. The sibling-led group (Clyde and Tony‑nominated Gracie Lawrence) brings a contemporary, melodic counterpoint that helps stitch the evening together. ^{[12] [13]}

Ticketing, pricing, and access

Tickets are available through the show’s official channels, with prices starting around $69.75 (additional fees may apply depending on purchase method and delivery). Wheelchair locations are available in the orchestra, and group sales (10+) are handled via BroadwayPlus. For the fee structure and current box office guidance, consult the official site and Broadway League listings. ^{[14] [15]}

Relationship to last season’s “All In”

“All Out” is positioned as a thematic companion to 2024–25’s “All In: Comedy About Love,” which similarly featured celebrity readers performing Rich’s stories—then focused on love and relationships. “All In” proved a popular, briskly paced offering and recouped its capitalization during its run, encouraging this follow‑up centered on ambition and status. ^{[16] [17]}

Why the format matters right now

Comedy readings on Broadway are having a moment: the format gives producers the flexibility to book high‑profile talent for limited stints, while audiences get a fresh, often one‑time‑only ensemble chemistry. With Timbers at the helm and a bill packed with comics known from stand‑up, television, and film, “All Out” aims to bridge literary wit and live spontaneity. The Nederlander’s Broadway.org listing frames the evening succinctly: assemble great comics, hand them Rich’s funniest stories about New York’s striving and scheming, and let them run with it. ^{[18] [19]}

Planning your visit tonight

If you’re heading to opening night, double‑check the specific cast attached to your performance time—both the official site and major Broadway ticketing outlets list date‑by‑date lineups. Remember the 85‑minute, no‑intermission format; plan accordingly for arrivals and post‑show plans. And if you’re deciding between online versus in‑person purchases, the Broadway League notes that buying in person can help you avoid certain online and telephone fees. ^{[20] [21] [22]}

Bottom line: “All Out” brings a high‑gloss comedy reading to Broadway with an all‑star, rotating lineup, fresh music, and a tight runtime—an accessible, drop‑in showcase for Rich’s mordant take on ambition in the city. ^{[23] [24]}