In the kind of coup that press releases are made of, Netflix has struck a deal with the Shubert Organization forMartin Scorsese’sThe Irishmanto play at the historic Belasco Theatre on Broadway, making it the first film to screen at the venue in its rich, 112-year history.
Netflix will provide what it describes as state-of-the-art equipment for the screenings, which will run from Nov. 1 to Dec. 1. It’s a savvy move on the part of the streaming service, since The Irishman isn’t welcome at major theater chains like AMC, and there’s sure to be high demand in New York for the epic Mafia tale.
Robert De Nirostars as a mob hitman alongsideAl Pacino,Joe Pesci,Harvey Keitel,Bobby CannavaleandAnna Paquin. The 3-and-a-half-hour drama recently premiered at the New York Film Festival, where it was showered with praise by critics, many of whom called it a “masterpiece.” Yes, it seems Netflix has come a long way fromThe Ridiculous Six.
The Irishman’s run at the Belasco will mimic the standard Broadway schedule of eight performances per week – one screening every night except Monday, when Broadway traditionally goes dark, plus matinee showings on Saturday and Sunday. While Scorsese knew that the majority of the world would see his magnum opus in the comfort of their own living rooms, as Netflix intended, he’s no doubt relieved that the film will be shown in select theaters, and thrilled that it will make history by screening at the iconic Belasco Theatre, which has played home to numerous Broadway hits over the decades.
Pacino won the first of his two Tony Awards for his 1969 Broadway debut inDoes a Tiger Wear a Necktie?at the Belasco, which more recently housedNetworkstarringBryan Cranston. Scorsese directed the theater’s 1977 musicalThe ActstarringLiza Minnelli, while Keitel tread the Belasco’s boards in 1975’sDeath of a Salesmanand 1984’sHurlyburly. Even De Niro has history with the Belasco, having starred in 1986’sCuba and His Teddy Bear, and co-directedA Bronx Tale: The MusicalwithJerry Zaksin 2016.
“We’ve lost so many wonderful theaters in New York City in recent years, including single house theaters like the Ziegfeld and the Paris. The opportunity to recreate that singular experience at the historic Belasco Theatre is incredibly exciting," said Scorsese, who also thankedTed Sarandos,Scott Stuber, and their Netflix team for finding “creative ways to make this picture a special event for audiences."
“It’s an immense honor forThe Irishmanto be welcomed to the Belasco, an iconic and historic landmark fit for Scorsese’s latest cinematic achievement," added Stuber.
The Irishmanhits Netflix on Nov. 27 and is expected to receive at least a half-dozen Oscar nominations. In the meantime, you can watchPerri Nemiroff’s video review below.
