TODAY/YouTube
NEED TO KNOW
Ray Romano is making his Broadway debut in Simon Rich's comedy All Out: Comedy About Ambition
The show features short stories about ambition, with music by Grammy-nominated band Lawrence and a rotating star-studded cast
Romano says the role fits his goal to step outside his comfort zone
Ray Romanois making his Broadway debut on Tuesday, Feb. 17, in Simon Rich's star-studded hitAll Out: Comedy About Ambition.But the Emmy-winningEverybody Love Raymondstar says fans can rest easy about one thing.
"Everybody relax. I'm not singing," Romano, 68, joked at the top of his interview withToday's Craig Melvin that aired on Monday, Feb. 16.
"You don't want to hear this voice sing," he added, laughing.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE'sfree daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Instead, Romano will joinNicholas Braun,Jenny SlateandJake Shanein the play, reading and acting out short stories by Rich that explore ego, envy, greed and life in New York City. Music comes fromGrammy-nominated soul-pop band Lawrence, who perform selections from their albumFamily Businessin between pieces.
"[The stories], they're bizarre and funny," Romano said, adding that Lawrence, "they tear the roof off the place."
Tony Award winner Alex Timbers directsAll Out. The limited-run show — a companion toRich'sAll In: Comedy About Love, last season's runaway hit — began performances on Dec 12, 2025, and has starred a rotating groups of four stars throughout its 12-week limited run includingJon Stewart,Eric Andre,Ike Barinholtz,Jim Gaffigan,Abbi Jacobson,Ben Schwartz,Wayne Brady,Cecily Strong,Beck Bennett,Mike Birbiglia,Sarah Silverman,Heidi Gardner,Jason MantzoukasandCraig Robinson.
Romano will continue inAll Outthrough the show's scheduled closing, on March 8.
Though this marks his first time performing on Broadway after decades in stand-up, television and film, Romano told Melvin he'd been approached before. This one, however, finally felt right.
Advertisement
"Over the years, I've been offered a couple of Broadway things, and I've never really had the courage to do a full play that runs for months," Romano said. "This seemed like the perfect little introduction to Broadway."
He added that the decision fits into a personal push to step outside his comfort zone. "I declared this year — I read a book calledThe Year of Yes," he said, quickly undercutting himself with a punchline. "The only problem is I was trying to self-help myself. I also readThe Power of No, so I'm right back where I started."
Still, Romano said he's made a point of saying yes to a few things that once scared him — including a role on season 2 ofNetflix'sRunning PointstarringKate Hudson, which is set to air in April.
He's also about to becomea grandpa for the first time,his daughter Ally expecting her first child any day now. "That's going to happen. We have a little boy coming and it's our first," he said onToday.
Asked what he'll be called, Romano said he's leaning toward "Papa Ray," though he's open to whatever sticks. "Sometimes it evolves into something else," he said. "The kid mispronounces it."
As for which milestone feels more nerve-wracking — becoming a grandfather or making his Broadway debut — Romano didn't hesitate.
"They're both exciting and nervous at the same time," he said. "But if I'm being honest, I'm nervous about Broadway."
Tickets forAll Outare on sale now.
Read the original article onPeople