Actor John C. Reilly IS Mr. Romantic - A Candid Discussion: What's Not To Love

Maggie & John C. Reilly discuss “What’s Not to Love?” Mister Romantic’s debut album out now on Eternal Magic Recordings is a collection of beloved songs from the American Songbook reimagined by Reilly and his Grammy-winning band. 

“What’s Not To Love?” was recorded in 2024 in Los Angeles at Nest Recorders and was co-produced by Reilly and Davíd Garza. In addition to Garza on piano and guitar, the band also includes Gabe Witcher on violin, Sebastian Steinberg on bass, and Charles De Castro on accordion and cornet. 
CREATED BY JOHN C. REILLY

“I looked at our weary world a few years ago and tried to think of a way I could spread love and empathy. I decided the most fun way to do that was through performing and singing and telling people I love them…so the emotional vaudeville show Mister Romantic was born, out of both hope and despair.”

From studying theater as a kid growing up in Chicago, to amateur clowning as a teen and studying acting at The Theatre School at DePaul University, to his Oscar-nominated role starring in the film adaptation of Chicago and beloved performance starring in Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, to his TONY-nominated performance in Sam Shepard’s True West, and more, theater and music have been pillars of John’s career. 

What’s Not To Love? is a collection of gorgeous renditions of songs from the Great American Songbook backed by a band of multiple GRAMMY®-winners. 

On lead single “Dream” Reilly delivers a gentle, dreamy sea-side cover of the 1944 Johnny Mercer song, which has previously been recorded by Frank Sinatra and Roy Orbison.

The album was recorded in 2024 in Los Angeles at Nest Recorders and was co-produced by Reilly and Davíd Garza (Fiona Apple, Sharon Van Etten). In addition to Garza on piano and guitar, the band also includes Gabe Witcher on violin (Punch Brothers, Rosanne Cash), Sebastian Steinberg on bass (Fiona Apple, Phoebe Bridgers), and Charles De Castro on accordion and cornet (Keb’ Mo’). 

The 13 tracks include a pair of Irving Berlin songs, a trio of Tom Waits songs and many songs made famous by Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Jo Stafford and more. Reilly and this special band reimagine and re-embrace these beloved tunes and bring them again to another generation.

About the Live Show:
Prepare to be captivated by the incomparable John C. Reilly in Mister Romantic, a vaudeville show that has already garnered critical acclaim and captured the public’s imagination. The New York Times calls the show "wryly funny, sometimes tender and sad, but always sincere" and Vanity Fair describes it as “fiercely funny” and says "John C. Reilly is one hell of a singer." Mister Romantic asks you to open your heart to the love all around you and marks a new chapter in Reilly’s acclaimed career. 

Source: https://www.misterromantic.com/

Source: https://www.steppenwolf.org/tickets--events/seasons-/2025-26/mister-romantic/

Source: https://www.misterromantic.com/music

Host Maggie LePique, a radio veteran since the 1980's at NPR in Kansas City Mo. She began her radio career in Los Angeles in the early 1990's and has worked for Pacifica station KPFK Radio in Los Angeles since 1994.