5 / 10
“McNeal” is a great showcase for Robert Downey Jr., making his Broadway debut as the novelist Jacob McNeal, who is unraveling just at the moment of his greatest acclaim. But Downey also seems a vehicle by which playwright Ayad Akhtar attempts to address some age-old questions about the creative process, with a new twist:
8 / 10
Star power is not to be underestimated. Not only can it bring in audiences who may not normally attend new Broadway plays, it can also infuse a problematic work with a gravitas it might not normally possess. Such is the case with Lincoln Center Theater’s production of the new drama by Ayad Akhtar (Disgraced, The Invisible Hand) that touches on such themes as artificial intelligence, plagiarism, and writerly inspiration without really coming to grips with any of them. But it doesn’t matter, thanks to the presence of Robert Downey Jr. in the title role. Downey, who recently won an Oscar for the film Oppenheimer and is here making his stage debut, brings such charisma and magnetism to McNeal that it’s easy to overlook the play’s flaws.
Melora Hardin is going up against Robert Downey, Jr.'s McNeal. In the new play, Hardin plays Francine Blake, the retired editor-in-chief of The New York Times and McNeal's former lover. Watch her discuss the production on Good Morning America!
What makes a great Broadway company? According to Robert Downey Jr., who made his debut earlier this season in McNeal, every person plays a huge role in the play's success. Watch in this exclusive video as he chats more about what makes the McNeal company so special.
Looking for all the latest info on one of Broadway's hottest shows starring Robert Downjey Jr? BroadwayWorld has the full scoop on everything that you need to know about McNeal on Broadway.
In this video, watch as the whole cast checks in with BroadwayWorld after the curtain came down on opening night!
Last night, Ayad Akhtar’s new play McNEAL opened at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Check out photos from inside the big night here!
The Lincoln Center Theater production of McNEAL, a new play by Ayad Akhtar, directed by Bartlett Sher opened last night at the Vivian Beaumont Theater! See photos of stars on the red carpet!
Read the reviews for McNeal on Broadway which stars academy Award-winner and Marvel icon, Robert Downey Jr., as an acclaimed author obsessed by AI as he makes his Broadway debut alongside Brittany Bellizeare, Rafi Gavron, Melora Hardin, Andrea Martin, Ruthie Ann Miles, and Saisha Talwar. See what the critics had to say about Lincoln Center Theater’s McNEAL, from Pulitzer Prize-winner Ayad Akhtar.
In this video, watch as the cast of Broadway's McNeal unpacks their roles and find out even more about the new play here!
Get a first look at footage of Robert Downey Jr. and more in the play McNeal at Lincoln Center Theater. The cast features Melora Hardin, Andrea Martin, Ruthie Ann Miles, and more. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Lincoln Center Theater’s McNEAL, a new play by Ayad Akhtar, directed by Bartlett Sher, is now in previews at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre, where it is getting ready for opening night on Monday, September 30. Check out first photos of the cast in action!
McNEAL begins is now running on Broadway at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, marking the first play of LCT’s historic 40th Anniversary season. Meet the cast of McNEAL here!
On Friday, August 23 the cast and creatives of Lincoln Center Theater’s McNEAL met the press before starting tech rehearsal for the play. See photos and learn more about the show!
Broadway is no joke, but Robert Downey Jr., who makes his debut this season in Lincoln Center Theater's McNeal, is up for the challenge. Watch in this video as the entire company meets the press and explains more about what the play is all about.
Almost 20 years after making his Lincoln Center Theater (and Broadway) debut with The Light in the Piazza, Bartlett Sher is back this season alongside another heavy-hitter of the theatre world, Pulitzer Prize winner Ayad Akhtar. The play is McNeal and previews are already underway at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre.
On Thursday, August 1 the cast and creative team for McNEAL gathered for the first day of rehearsals. McNEAL is a new play by Ayad Aktar, directed by Bartlett Sher. See footage in the video here!
On Thursday, August 1 the cast and creative team for McNEAL gathered for the first day of rehearsals. McNEAL is a new play by Ayad Aktar, directed by Bartlett Sher. See photos from inside the rehearsal room.
Lincoln Center Theater has revealed the complete cast for its production of McNEAL, a new play by Ayad Akhtar, directed by Bartlett Sher, and starring Robert Downey Jr. Learn how to purchase tickets.
This fall, Lincoln Center Theater will produce MCNEAL, a new play by Ayad Akhtar, directed by Bartlett Sher, starring Robert Downey Jr. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Projection and Video Design | Jake Barton |
| 2025 | Drama League Awards | DISTINGUISHED PERFORMANCE | Robert Downey, Jr. |
