Bill Murray Relives a Role, Seeing Broadway’s ‘Groundhog Day’

Photo

Bill Murray was met with rapturous excitement on Broadway on Tuesday night as he attended the musical “Groundhog Day,” based on the 1993 movie in which he starred.

It was Mr. Murray’s first time seeing the musical and he was accompanied by his brother, Brian Doyle-Murray, who played Buster in the film, as well as Danny Rubin, who co-wrote the screenplay for the movie and the book for the musical. “Groundhog Day” — a story about a self-absorbed weatherman who keeps repeating the same day over and over again in Punxsutawney, Pa. — is widely known as one of the most critically-acclaimed comedies in history and one of Mr. Murray’s best works.

Photo

Mr. Murray got a brief round of applause from audience members before the show, after going mostly unnoticed inside the theater. He took selfies with fans during intermission, and then was mobbed by them at the end, graciously taking photographs with everyone.

The movie was considered by many critics to be a comic masterpiece. The New York Times critic Janet Maslin wrote that it shows Mr. Murray in “top form,” as he smoothly alternated between nihilism and the traditional physical comedy that the script required. It became an oft-quoted classic and added another strong showing to the partnership of Mr. Murray and Harold Ramis, the film’s director. The duo had previously collaborated on “Caddyshack,” (1980) “Meatballs” (1979) and “Ghostbusters” (1984).

The musical, starring Andy Karl as Phil, opened to several strong reviews in the spring but failed to win any Tony Awards in June. Box office sales have been modest lately, so Mr. Murray’s visit comes at a time when the producers want more public attention for the show.

Check back early Wednesday morning for a complete story including Mr. Murray’s backstage visit and remarks about the show.

Photo

Continue reading the main story