Zero Hour (play)

Zero Hour is a one-man play written by Jim Brochu, focusing on the life and career of the celebrated and controversial actor, playwright, and political activist Zero Mostel. The play explores Mostel's experiences with the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), his struggles with blacklisting, and his triumphant return to the stage, particularly in roles like Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof and Max Bialystock in The Producers.

The play often utilizes direct address, breaking the fourth wall to engage the audience directly, allowing Brochu, as Mostel, to recount anecdotes, deliver impassioned monologues, and recreate pivotal moments from Mostel's life. It delves into Mostel's artistic passions, his political convictions, and his complex personality. It explores the impact of the blacklist on his career and the emotional toll it took on him.

Zero Hour premiered off-Broadway in 2009 and has toured extensively since then. Jim Brochu, who also starred in the original production, won the 2010 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Solo Performance for his portrayal of Zero Mostel. The play received critical acclaim for Brochu's performance, its insightful portrayal of Mostel's life, and its exploration of themes of artistic integrity, social justice, and the enduring power of the human spirit.