It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Summary

FX took a gamble that ante up off handsomely with the greenlighting ofIt ’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia , a show that redefine the bound of comedy with its absurd Dayman episode . With a shoestring budget of $ 200 for the original , the serial evolved from an under - the - radar production to a dear cultus classic , thanks in part to its alone blend of dark humor and a willingness to push societal norms . The series found its rhythm by sweep up the outrageous , setting the stage for its most memorable endeavor : a musical episode that would leave an indelible marking on the landscape painting of television comedy .

The journeying into musical district was not initially plot with grand ambition . It emerge organically from the series ' third season , during an sequence that unexpectedly introduced the character reference of Dayman , conceived in a narrative that oscillated between the screaming and the controversial . Despite some regrets about the episode ’s insensitive deed of conveyance , the positive lover reception and the mold ’s enjoyment in creating original medicine for the series led to the conception of " The Nightman Cometh . " This musical episode not only showcasedtheAlways Sunnycast’svaried talents but also solidifiedIt ’s Always Sunny’sreputation for blending comedy with unexpected forms of storytelling .

It ’s Always gay In Philadelphia is still go strong after almost two decades on air , and here ’s what ’s in memory for the work party in season 17 .

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 16 Poster

Charlie Day Wrote The Dayman Musical “Just For Fun”

This Was Written Into The Episode & The Gang Argued That Nobody Would Write A Musical For Fun

At the heart of this endeavor was Charlie Day , whose musical talents and whimsical coming to content existence play a polar role in bringingthe funniestAlways Sunnyepisodeto living . acknowledge for his spontaneous songwriting and melodic donation to the serial , Day ’s decision to craft an total musical episode was initially see as an comic diversion , a project embarked upon " just for fun"(viaGQ ) . However , this clear - hearted endeavor would soon evolve into one of the show ’s most iconic episodes , illustrating the unpredictable journey from a simple-minded melodic theme to a cultural phenomenon .

The inception of the musical comedy within the show ’s tale was cleverly meta , with character questioning the rationale behind publish a musical at all . This self - referential humor mirror the real - public scepticism about the feasibility and use of integrate a full - screw up musical into a situation comedy . Yet , it was this very skepticism that the episode sought to raze , showcasingIt ’s Always Sunny’scommitment to pushing boundaries and intriguing conventions . The premise that no one would undertake such a project without an underlying agenda collimate the hurl ’s literal - lifetime awareness of their show ’s penchant for subversion . Day explain :

" It became a running joke in the script because they ’re invariably ask , ' Why did you write a musical ? ' And my character reference says , ' Just for fun , ' and someone say , ' No one just does it for play . Who are you prove to beat ? ' "

Blended image of The Nightman Cometh

Charlie ’s insistence that the musical comedy was create " just for fun " served as both a plot machine and a statement on the nature of creative expression , blurring the telephone circuit between the characters ' motivation and the creators ' intention . However , it turn out that the gang was veracious the whole fourth dimension , as Charlie had the secret agenda ofproposing toIt’sAlways Sunny’sWaitressat the death of the stage product .

Dayman Was Originally Created By Scott Marker & Rob Rosell

The origin report of Dayman , a character that has since become synonymous with the unequalled comedic fabric ofIt ’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia , start witha on the face of it simple vocal penned by writers Scott Marder and Rob Rosell . This song , craft for the episode " Sweet Dee ’s Dating a R * * * * * * * Person , " was initially intended as a humorous interlude , yet it unwittingly place the groundwork for one of the show ’s most enduring and darling narratives . The lyrics , " Dayman , attack aircraft of the Nightman , champion of the Lord’s Day / He ’s a master of karate and friendship for everyone , " encapsulate the show ’s taste for absurdity and simplicity .

The genesis of Dayman within the show ’s narrative is a testament to the collaborative liveliness ofIt ’s Always Sunny’screative squad . While Marder and Rosell laid the lyric groundwork , it was theadditional creative input from Charlie Day and author David Hornsby(who also plays Cricket ) that blow up the concept into a full - fledge melodious episode . Their efforts translate the initial birdcall into a thematic element that would repeat throughout the series . This expansion involved not only developing the incompatible Nightman but also creating an entire mythos that would culminate in " The Nightman Cometh . " Day revealed :

I contacted David Hornsby , a author who encounter Rickety Cricket on the show . I get on the pianoforte and roll out some songs , and we kind of made up what the characters are talk and doing as we go along . I sent them to Cormac Bluestone and ask if he could help me do some transcription for the songs .

A composite image of Frank Reynolds screaming into a walkie talkie in front of a promo image of the cast airbrushed onto the side of a van from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

The Always Sunny Cast Thinks Gladys Is The Best Thing About The Dayman Episode

Gladys Was The 99-Year-Old Piano Player Who Talked Back To Charlie

The inclusion of Gladys , the senior pianissimo player portrayed by Mae LaBorde , in " The Nightman Cometh " episode make for an unexpected layer of humor and warmth . The mold nem con praised LaBorde ’s performance , with outtakes featuring her extemporization becoming precious moments among the crew . Gladys is the sassy 99 - year - old piano player who play the music for the actual stage dramatic play . Her presence in the episode exemplifiesIt ’s Always Sunny’sability to incorporate a full chain of comedic styles and characters , further enrich the show ’s population with memorable , albeit improper , moments of laughter and charm . Kaitlin Olsen mentioned :

She was the best . She really enjoyed having some people to talk to , so she took advantage of it .

Glenn Howerton revealed :

It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia’s The Nightman Cometh: Charlie, Dee, and Artemis in rehearsals

She just started extemporize all this s * * * . Some of the outtake are artificial .

It ’s Always cheery In Philadelphia has been going warm for over a decade , with no signal of slowing down . These are the honest episodes of all time .

The First (& Only) Planned Show Was Opening For Don McCloskey

The Show Announcement Sold Out In 7 Minutes

The passage ofIt ’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiafrom the screen door to the microscope stage represents a enthralling chapter in the show ’s history , encapsulated by the first — and initially only planned — live show opening for Don McCloskey . This odd event , mean to make for the comical Earth of Paddy ’s Pub into the real globe for one night only , unknowingly laid the groundwork for an exclusively raw attribute of the show ’s fundamental interaction with its audience . The conclusion to do live , originating from an offhand invitation by musician Don McCloskey , emphasise the unwritten and adventurous heart that has characterized the show since its inception .

Don McCloskey offered the shape an chance to perform a pair of songs before his set at the Troubadour in West Hollywood . This proffer , apparently low at first , rapidly escalated as countersign of the event circularise . The cast ’s participation was initially image as a brief , amusing prelude to McCloskey ’s operation , a nod to the fans and an opportunity to bring a slice of the show ’s musical antics to life . However , the response from the show ’s fanbase was anything but modest . Howerton explained :

They put it on the Troubadour website as " The Cast ofIt ’s Always Sunny in PhiladelphiaPerforming ' The Nightman Cometh ' Live . ' And underneath , in pocket-size letters : ' With Don McCloskey . ' It deal out in seven minute .

Gladys in a wheelchair in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Upon proclamation , the event was met with overwhelming enthusiasm , deal out in transactions — a testament to the show ’s fervent fan home and the cultural impact of the Dayman and Nightman saga . This speedy sellout not only surprise the cast and McCloskey but also demonstrated the potent appeal ofIt ’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiabeyond its telecast format . The unprecedented demand for tickets turned what was mean as a small section of an eventide into a historic case in the chronological record of the show , illustrating the communal and participatory nature of its fandom .

There are so many good guest star in It ’s Always cheery In Philadelphia that they ’re truly hard to rank — but we ’ve chip in it our best shot !

The Opening Set Became A Complete On-Stage Adaptation Of “The Nightman Cometh”

Director Matt Shakman Resurrected The Very Set Seen In The Episode

The transformation of " The Nightman Cometh " from a illustrious episode ofIt ’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiainto a thoroughgoing on - stage adaptation is a bewitching storey of creativeness , residential district , and the unexpected top executive of a cult goggle box show to catch springy audience . What start out as a single performance intend to complement Don McCloskey ’s set at the Troubadour in West Hollywood speedily evolved into something far large , showcasing the singular adhesion between the creator and their fans , as well as the show ’s unique power to pass the boundaries of its mass medium .

The initial concept was simple : do a few song from the episode live as a merriment , one - off event for fans see McCloskey ’s show . However , the overpowering response fromIt ’s Always gay ’s passionate fanbase , twin with the cast ’s enthusiasm for the project , take to a rapid reevaluation of the possible cathode-ray oscilloscope of this springy performance . The conclusion to convert the opening enactment into a full - fledged stagecoach adaptation of " The Nightman Cometh"episode was challenging . It require a significant amount of preparation , include dry run , mark construction , and adaptations of the television script to suit a lively performance . Howerton observe :

We started talking about it and wondering if there was a way to just do the whole installment live . Then we grabbed Matt .

It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia

The adaptation included additional song and dialogueto pulp out the narrativeand betroth the audience in a more interactional and immersive experience . The live functioning allow for a alone rally between the performer and the audience , creating an electrical standard atmosphere that could not be replicate through television set screens . Fantastic Fourdirector Matt Shakman , who engineer the installment and the stage free rein , explained :

We resurrected the set , which , luckily , was still in storage . We added some frames from the episode itself so that we had them practice it and speak about doing the show and then really doing the show , and we got it to be about 45 or 50 moment , plus the opening bit .

Live Nation Approached The Gang About Touring

Danny DeVito Was Instrumental In Negotiating With Live Nation

ab initio envision as a one - time play engagement to keep company a friend ’s musical performance , the consuming demand and fleet sellout bespeak a larger , untapped potential for the serial publication to venture into new territories . It was this background of enthusiasm and living from the show ’s dedicated fan floor that caught the attention of Live Nation , a global drawing card in live amusement . The involvement of Danny DeVito , in particular , wreak a polar function in the dialogue and arrangement for the hitch , leveraging his connections and influence to facilitate the coaction with bouncy Nation .

One of the most notable contributions DeVito made to the tour was leveraging his personal relationships to ensure its success . DeVito ’s goddaughter , who worked at lively Nation , act as a vital liaisonbetween the show ’s roll and the live amusement ship’s company . This connection not only facilitated the initial conversations about the possibility of a tour but also avail smooth over any likely logistic hurdles that come up during the provision microscope stage . Devito revealed :

My goddaughter was work [ at resilient Nation ] , and we made a deal with them . It was so much fun . I got a passenger vehicle . It was the year that we were all floating around in diapers in the ad , and I had a friend who did the skins of a bus . So I made a mass with him , and the whole omnibus was clamber with us in diapers .

IASIP, the gang onstage, arms in the air in The Nightman Cometh

In addition to his behind - the - scenes effort , DeVito also play a fundamental role in enhancing the tour ’s visibilityand appeal through a unique promotional strategy involving a custom enlistment bus . agnise the grandness of creating a buzz around the tour , he strike a spate with a bus mule skinner , transforming the fomite into a moving billboard embellish with image of the cast wearing diaper , a nod to one of the show ’s promotional campaigns .

Live Nation desire the show to play in 30 city , but the gang agreed to six .

There are 5 episodes of It ’s Always Sunny In Philadephia that were pulled from Netflix and Hulu , all for the same reason - their use of blackface .

It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia Guest Stars Keegan-Michael Key, Christopher Lloyd and Guilhermo Del Toro

Glenn Howerton Thought A Stage Musical Would Be A Great Way To Promote Always Sunny Season 5

The Bus & Sold-Out Tour Could Have Enhanced The Gang’s Visibility

Glenn Howerton ’s perceptivity into use a stage musical as a promotional pecker forseason 5 ofIt ’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiawas both groundbreaking and prescient , underscoring a mysterious intellect of the show ’s consultation and the evolving media landscape painting . Recognizing the cultus position the show had achieved and its unequalled post within the funniness genre , Howerton run into an opportunity to leverage " The Nightman Cometh"beyond its tv set format , transforming it into a resilient outcome that could bring forth buzzand deepen devotee engagement in anticipation of the fresh time of year . He explained :

Live Nation approached us about touring the show . We think , what good way to promote the fifth time of year of the show than to hit a twosome of metropolis , do a short circuit , and get to diddle some iconic theater of operations .

Kaitlin Olsen Thought The Show Could Have Been Embarrassing

She Was Worried Nobody Was Going To Show Up

Kaitlin Olsen ’s concern about the alive adaptation of " The Nightman Cometh " play up a common fright among artist guess into new territory : the risk of embarrassment in front of an audience . Olsen , empathize the show ’s niche prayer and cult status , worried thattranslatingIt ’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiafrom the projection screen to the stage might not draw the expected crowds , potentially lead to a office where the cast perform to a thin audience . Olsen mentioned :

I remember being really upset and thinking , ' This is quite a stretch . ' I get that we did n’t have awful valuation , but if this was a stratagem for that , was it going to be mortifying ? Are people going to show up to watch it ? Because I ca n’t opine anything more humbling than doing this thing survive for , like , ten people in New York .

The Live Show Was Eye-Opening For The Always Sunny Cast

It Made The Cast Realize How Many Fans The Show Really Had

The live adaptation of " The Nightman Cometh " proved to be a revelatory experience for the cast ofIt ’s Always cheery in Philadelphia , significantly impacting their agreement of the show ’s reach and the depth of its fanbase . The palpable excitement and engagement from the hearing , withfans often reciting lines alongside the worker and wearing costume inspired by the series , demonstrated the show ’s important ethnic impact . This enthusiastic response underscored the communal aspects of fandom , showing the cast that their oeuvre resonate on a level much deep than they agnize . Olsen note :

It really gave us our first insight into just how many devotee we had . Because we were basically being state : Nobody ’s watching the show but FX care it , so that ’s why you ’re still on the atmosphere . We were n’t having huge military rating , but we had a adult sports fan stand . And those people traveled and packed those house .

DeVito sum up :

The Paddy’s Pub gang perform the Nightman cometh on stage in Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia

There were people dressed as green military man . They came spruced up as some of the characters . There might have been a duo trolls in there .

Cities Where The Nightman Cometh Live Show Played

Venue

Danny DeVito looking serious in It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia

Date

Boston , MA

House of Blues Boston

A collage of a confused Charlie Day looking around at a streaming service

9/15/2009

Upper Darby , PA

Tower Theater

The Gang gives up on selling gas in It’s Always Sunny

9/16/2009

New York , NY

Beacon Theater

Dee in a car in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

9/17/2009

Seattle , WA

Moore Theater

Glenn Howerton as Dennis Reynolds, Charlie Day as Charlie Kelly, and Rob McElhenney as Mac in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

9/22/2009

San Francisco , CA

Nob Hill Masonic Theater

Fat Mac (Rob McElhenney) with sweat patches in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

9/24/2009

Los Angeles , CA

Hollywood Palladium

Headshot Of Charlie Day

9/25/2009

Rob McElhenney Got Drunk Before Every Live Show

He Believed He Was Funnier On Stage After A Few Drinks

Rob McElhenney ’s plan of attack to the live performances of " The Nightman Cometh " was to get drunk before every Dayman show . This method , while unconventional , can be seen as McElhenney ’s path of bridge the interruption between his own nerve or forbiddance and the persona he needed to embody on microscope stage . It also ponder the broader ethos ofIt ’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia , a show that has never shied off from search and press the bounds of conventional comedy and character portrait . McElhenney explained :

I would get pretty inebriated before every alive show . It felt like it was in the intent of the show … I do n’t have any musical ability or aspiration to have any , I did n’t find any pressure to be skillful . In fact , the worse I was , thefunnierI was .

This feeler can be attend as ordinate with the character of Mac and the overall irreverent tone ofIt ’s Always gay in Philadelphia . The show , know for its character ' flawed but endear qualities , often blurs the job between the personas of its characters and the personalities of its casting . McElhenney bugger off drunk before performances could also be interpreted as a method of method acting , bring in him closer tothe unfiltered and brainish nature of Mac . This blend of actor and fictitious character enhance the authenticity of the execution , resonating with audience familiar with the show ’s blade of humour and character moral force .

Headshot Of Rob McElhenney

Source : GQ

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It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia