About

“Winning isn’t everything, but the will to win is everything.” Sport produces great human drama and there is no greater sports icon to bring to theatrical life than Hall of Fame football coach Vince Lombardi, unquestionably one of the most inspirational and quotable personalities of all time. Dan Lauria (The Wonder Years) and Tony® nominee Judith Light led the Broadway cast of LOMBARDI, a new American play by Academy Award winner and Steppenwolf Theatre Company member Eric Simonson. Though football’s Super Bowl trophy is named for him, few know the real story of Lombardi the man—his inspirations, his passions and ability to drive people to achieve what they never thought possible. Directed by Tony® nominee Thomas Kail (In the Heights), LOMBARDI is based on the best-selling biography When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi by Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Maraniss.

LOMBARDI on Broadway played its final performance May 22, 2011. If you’re interested in licensing LOMBARDI, please call Kirmser Ponturo Group, 212-554-3430.


Click here to download the LOMBARDI Study Guide (PDF 4.1MB)


FAQ: The Play

  • What is LOMBARDI about?

    LOMBARDI, a new play by Academy Award® winner and Steppenwolf Theatre Company member Eric Simonson, is based on the best-selling biography When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi, by Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Maraniss.

    This original work brings the audience into the life and times of one of America’s most inspirational and mercurial personalities, Hall of Fame football coach, Vince Lombardi. The Broadway production was directed by Tony® nominee Thomas Kail (In the Heights); Dan Lauria (The Wonder Years) and Tony® nominee Judith Light (Wit) led the cast.

  • Who wrote it?

    LOMBARDI is by Eric Simonson. It is based on the best-selling biography When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi, by Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Maraniss.

  • Who directed it?

    Tony® nominee Thomas Kail (In the Heights).

  • Who was in it?

    LOMBARDI on Broadway starred Dan Lauria (The Wonder Years), Tony® nominee Judith Light (Wit), Keith Nobbs, Bill Dawes, Robert Christopher Riley, and Chris Sullivan. Click here to read cast bios.

  • I'm interested in licensing LOMBARDI. Who should I contact?

    Please call Kirmser Ponturo Group, 212-554-3430, for information about licensing.

  • Is LOMBARDI appropriate for children?

    Yes. Kids 12 and older will have the best experience, but children 5 and up are welcome.

    While LOMBARDI contains no objectionable content, there is some strong language in the play. You know your kids best, but keep in mind that the material might best be understood and enjoyed by children who have started elementary school.

  • Will my grandparents enjoy LOMBARDI?

    Yes!

  • I’m not familiar with Vince Lombardi. Will I like LOMBARDI?

    Vincent Lombardi (1913-1970) is arguably the greatest football coach of all time, and is on the short list of history’s greatest coaches, regardless of sport. His ability to teach, motivate and inspire players helped turn the Green Bay Packers into the most dominating NFL team in the 1960s.

    Although he made his career as a football coach, his fame and influence spread far beyond the gridiron. He is renowned for his uncompromising character, his steadfast leadership and his ability to inspire others to excel, no matter what the field of endeavor.

    A beloved national icon, Lombardi was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970, and was honored by the NFL by having his name adorn the trophy awarded to the Super Bowl champion each year.

    LOMBARDI introduces the people and relationships that shaped Vince Lombardi's life off the field, from his wife, Marie, to some of the key players whose careers and characters were molded by his inimitable leadership.

    If you like powerful family drama that tells an inspiring story about real-life characters, you will love LOMBARDI.

  • Do I need to like football to enjoy LOMBARDI?

    No! The play is about the Vince Lombardi the man and the people in his life. It explores his relationships between the characters and how they collide and interact with each other at a particular moment in time.

  • Who produced LOMBARDI on Broadway?

    Fran Kirmser, Tony Ponturo and The Friends of Lombardi in Association with The National Football League.

  • How long did LOMBARDI run?

    Performances began on September 23, 2010; opening night was October 21, 2010. The final performance was played on May 22, 2011.

  • How long is LOMBARDI?

    90 minutes

  • Is there an intermission?

    No.


  • FAQ: The Theatre

  • Where did it play on Broadway?

    The Circle in the Square Theatre, which is located on 50th Street West of Broadway. Click here for information about the theatre.

  • How do I get to the Circle in the Square?

    The Circle in the Square is located in New York City on 50th Street West of Broadway.

    Important Notice:

    Broadway is closed to vehicular traffic from 42nd St to 47th St. Please review traffic and transportation details (pdf file) and allow extra time to arrive at the theatre.

  • Which subways are close by?

    Subways:
    A - To 42nd Street, walk North to 50th Street.
    C, E - To 50th Street, walk North or South to 50th Street.
    N, R, W - To 49th Street, walk North or South to 50th Street.
    Q - To 42nd Street, walk North to 50th Street.
    B, D, F - To 47th-50th Street (at 6th Ave), walk West, and then North or South to 50th Street.
    1 - To 49th Street, walk North or South to 50th Street.
    2, 3 - To 42nd Street/Times Square and walk North to 50th Street.
    4, 5, 6 - To 42nd Street, transfer to shuttle to Times Square and walk North. 7 - To Times Square and walk North to 50th Street.

    You can also visit www.hopstop.com to plan your trip.

  • Where do I park the car?

    There are many parking lots in the neighborhood, but remember that curtain times create added traffic.

  • Do I have to climb stairs at Circle in the Square?

    No, there is an elevator from the street level to the Orchestra level.

  • Is there an Assistive Listening System at Circle in the Square?

    Yes. Reservations are not necessary, but please arrive early. Driver’s license or ID with printed address required.

  • Is the Circle in the Square wheelchair accessible?

    The theatre is not completely wheelchair accessible:

    Orchestra level seating is accessible, but please note: Once on the Orchestra level there are approximately 2 steps down per row. Entrance to the Orchestra is behind row K.

  • Does the Circle in the Square have air conditioning?

    Yes.

  • Is there a place in the Circle in the Square to buy a snack or a drink?

    Yes.

  • Is there a coat check?

    There is no coat check at the Circle in the Square, but there are lockers available in the lower lobby.

  • Is there a lost and found in Circle in the Square?

    No. Inquiries about lost items should be directed to Telecharge at (212) 239-6200.

  • May I bring a camera?

    No. The use of cameras and recording devices is strictly prohibited. You will be asked to leave if you attempt to photograph or record the performance.

  • Do I need to dress up?

    Some people choose to wear “special occasion” clothes for a Broadway performance, but business casual attire is perfectly appropriate.

  • How can I contact someone at LOMBARDI?

    By email at lombardibroadway@gmail.com.