Not Ready for Prime Time tickets
About Not Ready for Prime Time
See the behind-the-scenes chaos and magic of one of America's most-watched weekly television comedies from a completely different angle. A bold comedy, Not Ready for Prime Time plays at the Newman Mills Theater at MCC Theater, though the show is not part a production of MCC. Written by Erik J. Rodriguez and Charles A. Sothers and directed by Conor Bagley, Not Ready for Prime Time in New York begins its limited run in October.
In Not Ready for Prime Time off Broadway, experience the unauthorized, unsanitized, and slightly unhinged story of how a small group of lunatics made Saturday night unmissable. The New York City debut of this new play coalesces with another milestone: the 50th anniversary of the iconic variety television show that inspired it. Now, audiences can see that weekly show in a whole new, and even more unhinged, light.
Run time
2hr 30min. (Approx.) Incl. intermission.
Categories
Age
Age 13+.
Start date
October 5th, 2025
End date
December 7th, 2025
Hilarious and spot-on portrayals of the 1st year cast of SNL.
Cast was energetic and the play was entertaining. However it was merely a somewhat chronological listing of SNL events and not a very deep or revealing play.
Amazing Show! Hugh recommendation!
Not Ready for Prime Time cast and creative team
By: Erik J. Rodriguez and Charles A. Sothers
Director: Conor Bagley
Cast list: Ian Bouillon (as Lorne Michaels), Ryan Crout (as John Belushi), Jared Grimes (as Garrett Morris), Caitlin Houlahan (as Jane Curtin), Nate Janis (as Bill Murray), Kristian Lugo (as Dan Ackroyd), Woodrow Proctor (as Chevy Chase), Taylor Richardson (as Laraine Newman), Evan Rubin (as Gilda Radner)
Sets: Justin Swader and Christopher Swader
Costumes: Sarita P. Fellows
Lighting: Mextly Couzin
Sound: Liam Bellman-Sharpe
Other info: Props design by Samantha Shoffner, dramaturgy by Fareeda Pasha
Venue
More information about Not Ready for Prime Time
Arriving during a milestone anniversary season for the legendary show that inspired it, Not Ready for Prime Time is set in 1975 and follows nine up-and-coming comedians who are destined to become soon-to-be legends — Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Lorne Michaels, Garrett Morris, Bill Murray, Laraine Newman, and Gilda Radner. Together, those performers all navigate the chaos, creativity, and comedy that changed television as a medium and culture forever. This new play pulses with live music, quick wit, and backstage mayhem, capturing the electric atmosphere of a cultural revolution in the making.
From the writers’ room battles to the live-on-air adrenaline, this fast-paced and irreverent play dives into the personalities, clashes, and lightning-in-a-bottle moments that built an American institution. “This is a story about the moment lightning struck,” says co-writer Erik J. Rodriguez in a statement. “These performers didn’t just make comedy — they changed it forever.”
What to watch for
- Erik J. Rodriguez was selected by the Theatre Communications Group as one of its Rising Leaders of Color, nationally
- Charles A. Sothers said in his bio this play is an "homage to the pioneers who revolutionized television comedy 50 years ago, and a chance to share the deeply human story behind the headlines."
- Not Ready for Prime Time was previously seen at the Roxy Theater in Miami.
- Conor Bagley won a BroadwayWorld Regional Award for Best Direction of a Play for Not Ready for Prime Time.
Tickets
Unfortunately, tickets for this event are no longer available.
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