Bill Burr Says Nights After Performing in Broadway’s “Glengarry Glen Ross” Are ‘Grueling’: ‘Now What Do I Do?’ 

Bill Burr’s Broadway Debut in ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ Taking a Toll on the Comedian

Renowned stand-up comedian Bill Burr is currently making his highly anticipated Broadway debut in the star-studded revival of David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, ‘Glengarry Glen Ross.’ While the demanding eight-show-a-week schedule of the production at the Palace Theatre in New York City is proving challenging, Burr reveals that the real struggle comes after the curtain call.

In a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Burr, 56, candidly shared the difficulties he faces post-performance. “After the show, that’s what’s grueling,” he admitted. “They applaud and then you go home to that lonely corporate apartment and you’re just staring at the wall going like, ‘Now, what do I do!’”

Adding to the emotional weight of the experience is the fact that Burr’s wife, Nia Renée Hill, and their two children, daughter Lola, 8, and a 4½-year-old son, who he prefers to keep out of the public eye, are not residing with him in New York City. Burr expressed his longing for his family, sharing that they visit only one week a month and the challenges of keeping in touch remotely, especially with his young son’s reluctance to engage in FaceTime calls.

To cope with the isolation and intensity of the Broadway experience, Burr has found solace in a familiar outlet – stand-up comedy. Revealing his post-show routine, Burr explained, “I do standup after the shows a lot of the nights just to take the edge off. And then also, I got some gigs right when this thing ends, so I can’t just take 4-5 months off of standup.”

Comparing his comedic practice to going to the gym, Burr joked that neglecting it could lead to a decline in his performance quality. He humorously shared, “[If I don’t do it], then I’m going to go out there and I’m going to suck, and then it all goes away and then I’m back home with my parents!”

‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ at the Palace Theatre, directed by Tony Award-winner Patrick Marber, is set to open on March 31, with performances scheduled through June 28. The play unfolds over two intense days in a ruthless Chicago real estate office, where four salespeople fiercely compete to sell largely worthless properties to unsuspecting clients, with high stakes and severe consequences.

Joining Burr in the stellar cast are acclaimed actors like Oscar and Emmy winner Kieran Culkin, Emmy winner Bob Odenkirk, and Grammy winner Michael McKean, along with Donald Webber, Jr., Howard W. Overshown, and John Pirruccello. The production promises to deliver a gripping and compelling portrayal of Mamet’s acclaimed work.

‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ has a rich history on Broadway, with previous revivals in 2005 and 2013 featuring renowned actors such as Liev Schreiber, Jeffrey Tambor, Bobby Cannavale, and David Harbour. The current revival is drawing significant attention and anticipation from theatre enthusiasts and critics alike.

As Burr navigates the challenges of Broadway and balances his commitments to the stage with his personal life, his journey serves as a testament to the dedication and resilience required of performers in the demanding world of live theatre. With his signature wit and candid storytelling, Burr continues to captivate audiences both on and off the stage, showcasing his versatility and talent in this new artistic endeavour.