IceBoy!

The Goodman Theatre's latest production, IceBoy!, has already been extended beyond its initial premiere dates. After witnessing the play, which featured powerhouse couple Megan Mullally, known for her iconic Will & Grace character, Karen Walker, and Nick Offerman, an actor, comedian, and writer best known for his breakout role as Ron Swanson on the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation, I can certainly understand why there has been such high demand for tickets. It's one of the funniest, well-produced comedies of the year. Set in 1939, the play is narrated by Offerman, who gives a brilliant performance as the struggling writer Eugene O'Neill, grappling with intense writer's block. It revolves around Vera Vimm, a Broadway diva eagerly preparing for her role in The Garment Girl. In desperate need of a headline-grabbing story, she makes the bold move to adopt Iceboy, a 40,000-year-old Neanderthal caveman recently unearthed and frozen in the Arctic. The plot takes a turn when Iceboy thaws out, scaring Vera and her staff. Through a touching and comic song called "Can You Call Me Mama," IceBoy begins to understand her and, astonishingly, acquires the ability to speak English and perfectly recall anything read to him. When Vera receives unfavorable reviews for her performance in a play by her on-and-off boyfriend Flody, he decides to cast Iceboy in her role. This unexpected twist makes Iceboy an overnight sensation, putting him in direct competition with Vera for the spotlight. This whimsical story, although entirely fictional, as the subtitle says, is the completely untrue story of how Eugene O'Neill supposedly came to write The Iceman Cometh, regarded as one of the most significant masterpieces in theater history — it's one play you must see here in Chicago.

Led by the husband-and-wife team of Mullally and Offerman, who are well known for their sharp comedic chemistry, Mullally masters the over-the-top, vampy diva character. At the same time, Offerman's performance opens the evening with his signature dry wit, delivering a blend of sharp sarcasm and clever humor that transforms the stage into theatrical brilliance, making it a masterpiece of acting. This Broadway production masterfully employs a classic trope, infusing it with side-splitting comedy that's a laugh per minute. The stellar cast features the charismatic, ultra-talented Alex Goodrich, the versatile Grey Henson, the dynamic Sarah Stiles, and Comedy Central's Cedric Yarbrough.

Sarah Stiles delivers a captivating performance as Lambert, truly stealing the show with her unique blend of humor and vulnerability. Her character's dry wit contrasts sharply with her struggles with low self-esteem, which are rooted in the challenges of early-onset menopause. A standout moment occurs during her duet, "Marry Me," with Hensen, where IceBoy's comical views on marriage are "taking someone from behind"—that's truly hilarious. Grey Henson delivered an electrifying performance as the grunting IceBoy, a character frozen in time for an astonishing 40,000 years. As he gradually learns to speak English, each moment of his miraculous thaw transforms into a must-see performance, filled with clever humor and captivating entertainment, turning the stage into a whirlwind of laughter and excitement. Adding an equally talented and humorous ensemble including the spirited Donterrio, the perky Melanie Brezill, Leah Morrow, and the talented Will Koski, each bringing their own flair and humor. The exceptional chemistry between the cast adds an electric energy to the performance, capturing the audience from the opening number all the way to the final curtain call.

In a humorous scene, Vera talks about her "Ice-olation," a cute play on words whose core theme is one's unyielding desire for the spotlight and for people who are frozen and stuck where they are, needing support, through the power of love, to find their way. While the songs in this production may not be as memorable as one might wish, they play a vital role in seamlessly linking scenes and weaving the narrative, rather than leaving a lasting impression. The beautiful staging dazzles with its lively colors, resembling something you'd expect to see on a Broadway stage. It enhances the play's delightful charm and wit, creating a pleasant visual experience for the audience.

I firmly believe that the play is already a remarkable piece, needing only minor adjustments to unlock its full potential. By showcasing Offerman and Mullally together on stage a bit more, we can significantly enhance the audience's experience. Their captivating chemistry is precisely what many viewers are eager to see, and emphasizing it will undoubtedly elevate the entire performance. Still, it's a side-splitting farce that promises to delight audiences as it gears up for its Broadway debut! Once the ice thaws, the fun begins. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of laughter and unforgettable experiences that will keep you captivated from beginning to end!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Goodman

Iceboy!

Book by Erin Quinn Purcell and Jay Reiss

Directed by Marc Bruni

June 20 - August 9, 2026

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