Twenty-five years ago, director Martin Scorsese, his screenwriter and producer took a film called Goodfellas to its first test screening in Encino. By the end of the opening scene when Joe Pesci stabs Billy Batts, the film had 39 walk-outs.

“By the end of the screening, it was 71—probably a world’s record. That’s how bad it was,” said Goodfellas producer Irwin Winkler on stage alongside screenwriter Nicholas Pileggi at Film Independent at LACMA just before last night’s Live Read of the classic. “It’s really a miracle that we’re here after that screening.”

“I’m honored and terrified that the screenwriter is here with us tonight,” admitted Live Read director Jason Reitman.

Margo Winkler, who originated the role of Bell Kessler, also was in the audience.

Offbeat casting has become a Live Read signature—and the night was no exception, as Jason Reitman introduced his choice for Henry Hill: “We did an African-American cast of Reservoir Dogs. We’ve done an all-female Glengarry Glen Ross. Tonight we have gone decidedly Jewish. In the role of Henry Hill, originated by Ray Liotta, the baddest Jew I know… Fred Savage.” From the moment Savage delivered the beloved line “As far back as I remember, I’ve always wanted to be a gangster,” the Goodfellas devotees in the audience had no doubt he was up to the task.

Michaela Watkins’ shrill Karen and Mae Whitman’s off-the-rails Sandy would have made Lorraine Bracco and Debi Mazar proud.

Another genius casting choice and standout performance: frenetic comic Eric Andre as Tommy “I amuse you?” DeVito, the role famously originated by Joe Pesci. Andre impressed with the physicality he was able to muster while seated behind a microphone and a music stand, and sent the crowd into hysterics with his perfect—“fuck ya muddah”— accent.

Pamela Miller / Website & Grants Manager

The cast:
Laurence Fishburne as Jimmy, the role originated by Robert DeNiro
Fred Savage as Henry, the role originated by Ray Liotta
Eric Andre as Tommy, the role originated by Joe Pesci
Michaela Watkins as Karen, the role originated by Lorraine Bracco
Mae Whitman as Sandy, the role originated by Debi Mazar
Joe Manganiello as Paul, the role originated by Paul Sorvino
Dane Cook as Morris, the role originated by Chuck Low