Before Rodgers and Hammerstein, there was Rodgers and Hart. March 31st, 1943: legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart (Ethan Hawke in one of his finest performances) sees his professional and private life unravel during the opening night party for his former partner Richard Rodgers’ (Andrew Scott) hit show, Oklahoma! The action plays out in real time in Sardi’s bar in New York’s theatre district, where Hart has decamped to avoid the after-party; as he converses with bartender Eddie (Bobby Cannavale), his struggle with alcoholism, loneliness, and a deep sense of professional and personal displacement is revealed. As Rodgers’ star ascends – his collaboration with Oscar Hammerstein II will reshape Broadway, leaving Hart increasingly marginalised – Blue Moon becomes a poignant chamber piece about the painful awareness that a once-golden partnership has irreversibly changed.

Notes by David O’Mahony