“Gypsy” Broadway Opening Night
Billy Eichner Brings Holiday Cheer with New Christmas Comedy Picked Up by Amazon
Billy Eichner is already gearing up for the festive season as the star of “Mufasa: The Lion King” announces the sale of his latest Christmas comedy script to Amazon. The New York native, at 46 years old, is collaborating with the acclaimed playwright and notable “Sister Act” screenwriter Paul Rudnick on this exciting new project. Eichner will not only contribute to the writing but will also take on a starring role in the film.
Eichner described the premise: it revolves around a mother-son pair hailing from New York City who journey to Vermont to spend the holidays with the character portrayed by Eichner—who turns out to have a rather eccentric brother living in a quaint small town. The comedic possibilities seem endless, and casting suggestions have been floated for the mother role, with names like Jessica Lange, Meryl Streep, Kathy Bates, and Helen Mirren being considered.
During a chat at the Broadway premiere of “Gypsy,” Eichner took a moment to reflect on a rumor about his bar mitzvah theme, correcting a common misconception. He clarified that while many believe it was solely Madonna-themed, it leaned more towards a mix of Broadway and pop music. On one side of the DJ booth at the celebration, there was a life-sized airbrushed rendition of Madonna, while the opposite side featured an equally impressive portrait of “The Phantom of the Opera.”
When asked if his parents were aware of his sexuality during his childhood, Eichner humorously responded that he believed they had their suspicions long before his bar mitzvah—perhaps dating back to when he was just five years old and acting like “Wonder Woman.”
The celebratory atmosphere was heightened at the “Gypsy” opening, with various stars in attendance, such as Lea Michele, Jonathan Groff, Laverne Cox, Iman, Rosie Perez, and David Hyde Pierce from “Frasier.” Director George C. Wolfe shared his thoughts on working with children and animals in theater, contrasting the sentiment of the late W.C. Fields by expressing satisfaction with both in his current production.
Eichner’s holiday comedy is certainly set to add a dose of laughter and warmth to the upcoming season, showcasing his signature humor and creativity. Fans can look forward to seeing what magic he and Rudnick conjure up as they bring this festive tale to life.
