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McNEAL Show Poster

McNEAL Tickets

Robert Downey Jr. makes his Broadway debut in a new play by Ayad Akhtar.

4.4
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This show is closed.

Performances ended on Nov. 24, 2024.

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Story
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About McNEAL on Broadway

duration
Duration
1 hour and 45 minutes, with no intermission.
audience
Audience
Recommended for ages 16 and up. Children under 5 will not be permitted in the theater.
dates
Show Dates
Previews: Sep 5, 2024 • Opening: Sep 30, 2024 • Closing: Nov 24, 2024
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Video & Photos

Venue

Vivian Beaumont Theater Vivian Beaumont Theater
150 West 65th Street
New York, NY 10023
seatmap Seat Map
hearing assistance
Hearing Assistance
Available upon request.
wheelchair access
Wheelchair Access
The box office and main Lobby are accessible.
elevators and escalators
Elevators and Escalators
An elevator with access to the Lobby and Orchestra Level.
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Story

Good writers borrow, great writers steal. Jacob McNeal is a great writer, one of our greatest, a perpetual candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literature. But McNeal also has an estranged son, a new novel, old axes to grind and an unhealthy fascination with Artificial Intelligence. Pulitzer Prize-winner Ayad Akhtar’s new play is a startling and wickedly smart examination of the inescapable humanity – and increasing inhumanity – of the stories we tell.

Reviews

critics reviews Critics’ Reviews (3)
A collection of our favorite reviews from professional news sources.

"A brilliant and transfixing new play."

The Atlantic

Jeffrey Goldberg

Entertainment Weekly

"Robert Downey Jr. is a commanding presence leading a knockout cast."

Entertainment Weekly

Emlyn Travis

"Robert Downey Jr. is perfectly cast, making a fearless Broadway debut."

Deadline

Greg Evans

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4.4
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Score average from verified show reviews by customers who’ve bought tickets from Broadway.com.
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Thank you!
"Loved everything about it. Cleverly written with a great depth of humor and also delving into darker subjects. No pretense about the world of writing and such a refreshing take on this subject. Exceptionally talented cast. "
Broadway.com Customer on Nov 25, 2024
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McNeal was Brilliant!
"I absolutely loved the play McNeal! Robert Downey Jr. gave a superb performance! He is as brilliant on stage as he is in his movies! The story line was very intriguing and everyone in the play was great! I went to see it twice because there is so much to take in. I would definitely recommend trying to see it before it goes off. It was my favorite play of the year! "
Broadway.com Customer on Nov 24, 2024
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Best play I have seen in 50 years of theater going
"Downey was spectacular, the other actors were perfect, the story was extraordinary, the staging, lighting, and every aspect of the production was amazing, the experience was both riveting and thought provoking -- and I was truly blown away."
Caroline L from New York on Nov 17, 2024
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Amazing performances!
"This was an elegant and intellectually stimulating play that reflects the current challenges we face with the advances in technology. Downey is an actor that delivers a tour-de-force performance as his character struggles with concepts of mortality, legacy, imitation and humanity. Well done!"
Broadway.com Customer on Nov 3, 2024
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More Broadway RDJ, please!
"The script is well written and unique. RDJ is an incredible talent and was great in this role. The cast is wonderful - special shout out to Andrea Martin, honestly, I’d see anything she is performing in. She is always good. Even the set design and technology was amazing. Really well done! RDJ - you need to be in more shows please! "
Elizabeth P from Oak Park on Nov 2, 2024
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The AI Conundrum
"I loved how the show delivered how AI can be so powerful and useful within minutes while paralleling the unsettling nature of dependence and guilt. "
Carmen G from Brooklyn on Nov 1, 2024
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Amazing!
"This play was brilliant! Definitely in the top five shows I’ve seen on Broadway and for reference as to how many shows we have seen, just this weekend we are seeing three shows. Robert Downey is brilliant and the cast was fantastic! "
Andrea J from Baltimore on Nov 1, 2024
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RDJ is amazing!
"I was hoping to see him break into song, but the play was a fantastic concept and his performance was raw, vulnerable at times and definitely had that RDJ swagger. I would definitely recommend checking this play out."
Daniel B from Nampa on Oct 26, 2024
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Perfect
"This was an awesome and thought-provoking experience. There were some negative reviews, but obviously those reviewers either didn’t pay attention or didn’t understand any of the many story themes. The acting was superb by all cast members. RDJ did not disappoint. A perfect theatre evening. "
Broadway.com Customer on Oct 25, 2024
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Thumbs up for McNeal
"I very much enjoyed McNeal. The drama was riveting and the acting stellar."
Pamela P from Houston on Oct 25, 2024
Read All Reviews (44) Read More

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Cast & Creative

Cast

Jacob McNeal
Performer
Performer
Performer
Performer

Creative

Written by
Ayad Akhtar
Director
Bartlett Sher
Set Designer
Michael Yeargan and Jake Barton
Costume Designer
Jennifer Moeller
Lighting Designer
Donald Holder
Sound Designer
Justin Ellington and Beth Lake
Projection Designer
Jake Barton
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