Johnny Carson was America’s late-night sweetheart. His gift was his ability to turn a guest into a star, like he famously did when he asked Joan Rivers to sit next to him after her set. He did not blatantly discuss politics or gossip. He told jokes that would make us all laugh instead of squirm. He was relatable and lovable, charming, and quick witted.

This was a time in our world when things were not quite so polarizing and he became welcomed respite from daily lives. Spending time with Johnny made everything all right. He used humor to address big issues like Jim Crow, religion, education, and elections. And he did this without offending anyone.

In Behind the Curtain, we are taken behind the scenes not of The Tonight Show, but of Johnny's life. On a journey led by Henry Bushkin, Johnny's attorney, confident, fixer, and best friend for over 18 years, the bromance between the two men is a tumultuous one as they experience marriages, divorces, successes, and failures while building Johnny’s empire.

Book: Joe Ricci
Music and lyrics: Doug Katsaros
Director/Choreographer: Tricia Brouk