Sean Hayes, as Oscar Levant, an actual classic pianist and a controversial wit of his time, delivered a full evening with humor, pain and pathos.  He did begin the play with a over-the-top distorted voice (rather like a fast-paced Jimmy Stewart with a lisp and a slouchy drug- affected physicality).   Hayes simultaneously manages an acting performance that highlights the excruciating crucible of the moment: A man high on pills, struggling against himself and the resentment he feels at being trotted out, once again, to play a song he both loves and wishes to move beyond. It is a bravura moment and a supreme accomplishment for Hayes as a performer. 

It is in the final moment with Sean Hayes, a classically trained pianist himself, sits down at a grand piano to play Rhapsody in Blue that this play becomes a true theatrical marvel.  All of Oscar Levant’s pain, pill addiction, love/hate with relationship with Gershwin and his fear of his own mental health swirl together as he pounds out the song on the piano.  This song is worth the ticket of admission!  It is then that you can see exactly why Sean Hayes won the Tony for Best Actor.