The Collaboration
2 hours, including a 15 minute intermission
The Collaboration - 2022 Broadway History , Info & More
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (Broadway)
261 W. 47th St. New York, NY 10036
Warhol. Basquiat. Electric, eccentric, polar opposites… together, for the first time in the most unlikely partnership the art world has ever seen. Paul Bettany and Jeremy Pope star in the thrilling American premiere of the London sensation, The Collaboration. In the summer of 1984, longtime international superstar Andy Warhol and the art scene’s newest wunderkind, Jean-Michel Basquiat, agree to work together on what may be the most talked about exhibition in the history of modern art. But can these two creative giants co-exist, or even thrive?
The Collaboration - 2022 - Broadway Cast
FEATURED REVIEWS FOR The Collaboration
THE COLLABORATION Paints A Blank Canvas — Review
3 / 10
Though apparently more knowledgeable about Warhol—aren’t we all?—McCarten attempts to make the Basquiat character a vessel for his bogus rants against commercialism and the soullessness of modern art, having the younger artist press against his elder’s silkscreens and logo-ridden works. Each character is as thin as a Campbell’s soup label, but the insistence to ask these rote questions, then cop out of answering any when they turn to why the street artist himself is so comfortable with his funds is frustrating. And poor Pope, a multitalented actor here strangled under insufferable characterization, heightened by Kwame Kwei-Armah’s juvenile direction. Despite Pope’s impressive voicework, the writer and director’s Basquiat is conceived in the tired Cool Young Artist mold, ashing his joint in Warhol’s coffee cup before going Artist As Tweaker On The Spectrum when freaking out to jazz records, and staring, slack-jawed, into space—his otherworldly artistic visions ostensibly taking him out of this realm.
Two Kings, Not Much Pleasure: The Collaboration
4 / 10
The Collaboration abruptly turns plot heavy in the second act — early on, Krysta Rodriguez, playing a ex-girlfriend of Basquiat’s, storms in, announces “I need the money to make rent and have an abortion,” and throws a purse for emphasis, a choice I just have to respect. But eventually it makes its way toward the idea that being reduced to a salable art brand is crushing both these men. That’s something Warhol embraced in his own art-making, but as theater, it’s as two-dimensional as a silk screen. As much as it gestures toward depth, the play’s selling the audience these same flattened versions of Warhol and Basquiat. Looking at the faux Marilyn Monroe prints behind the actors, you start to ponder if the performances themselves are achieving anything much different. Buy a ticket and you can get the contours of something familiar and the most basic coloring of the details.
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by Nicole Rosky - February 11, 2023
Following three extensions, the Broadway premiere of The Collaboration at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre plays its final performance February 11, 2023, following 20 previews and 56 regular performances.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 17, 2023
A final extension has been announced for the Broadway premiere of The Collaboration at MTC’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. See performance dates, how to purchase tickets and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 5, 2023
Manhattan Theatre Club has announced a final extension for the Broadway premiere of The Collaboration at MTC’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. See how to purchase tickets!
by Michael Major - January 3, 2023
Jeremy Pope appeared on Good Morning America to speak on starring on Broadway in The Collaboration. Pope discussed recreating Jean-Michel Basquiat's paintings every night onstage. Pope also discussed doing the play on the West End and in a film, his new movie The Inspection, and more. Watch the new interview video now!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - December 21, 2022
The Collaboration, which cancelled its opening night performance due to a case of Covid-19 in the cast, plans resume performances on Monday, December 26.
by Bruce Glikas - December 21, 2022
Last night, shortly before the show was about to begin, the official opening night of The Collaboration was cancelled due to a case of Covid-19 in the cast detected during pre-show testing. However, the red carpet was still held prior to the announcement. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out the photos here!
by A.A. Cristi - December 20, 2022
The Broadway opening night for The Collaboration has been canceled due to a case of Covid-19 in the cast detected during pre-show testing.
by A.A. Cristi - December 20, 2022
Manhattan Theatre Club is presenting the Broadway premiere of The Collaboration, by special arrangement with Eleanor Lloyd Productions, Anthology Theatre, Stanley Buchthal, and Denis O'Sullivan. The production opens tonight at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre! Read the reviews!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - December 19, 2022
Get a first look at footage of Manhattan Theatre Club's Broadway premiere of The Collaboration, starring Paul Bettany & Jeremy Pope.
by Stephi Wild - December 19, 2022
The Collaboration has announced an extension of one additional week of performances ahead of its opening night tomorrow, December 20, at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. The production will now play through Sunday, January 29, 2023.
by Red Carpet - December 20, 2022
Tune in tonight at 5:45pm for video coverage from the opening night red carpet for MTC's The Collaboration. The Collaboration, written by Anthony McCarten and directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah, stars Paul Bettany and Jeremy Pope.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - December 12, 2022
Get a first look at Manhattan Theatre Club's production of The Collaboration, featuring Paul Bettany, Jeremy Pope, Krysta Rodriguez and Erik Jensen.
by Jennifer Broski - December 8, 2022
Performances are underway for the Manhattan Theatre Club's production of The Collaboration. We have photos of the Broadway marquee at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 30, 2022
Performances begin tonight for the Manhattan Theatre Club's production of The Collaboration. Warhol. Basquiat. Electric, eccentric, polar opposites... together, for the first time in the most unlikely partnership the art world has ever seen.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 22, 2022
Manhattan Theatre Club has cancelled the first preview of THE COLLABORATION on Tuesday, November 29 due to COVID infections in the company.
by Backstage With Richard Ridge - November 20, 2022
What is the Collaboration all about? In this video, stars of the American premiere, Paul Bettany and Jeremy Pope, chat with Richard Ridge about the exciting new play!
by Nicole Rosky - November 17, 2022
Rehearsals are underway for the American premiere of The Collaboration, which will begin previews on Tuesday, November 29 ahead of a Tuesday, December 20 opening at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. The company just met the press and they are telling us what the new play is all about in this video!
by Michael Major - November 16, 2022
Jeremy Pope sat down on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon last night to discuss returning to Broadway in The Collaboration. Pope also told the story of his mother passing out in the audience of his Broadway debut, being nominated for two Tony Awards in one year, and his upcoming film, The Inspection. Watch the interview video below!
by Stephi Wild - November 29, 2022
The Collaboration will begin previews tonight, Tuesday, November 29 ahead of a Tuesday, December 20 opening at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Meet the cast bringing this show to life here!
by Bruce Glikas - November 11, 2022
Rehearsals are underway for the American premiere of The Collaboration, which will begin previews on Tuesday, November 29 ahead of a Tuesday, December 20 opening at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. The cast just met the press and BroadwayWorld was on hand for the big day. Check out photos from inside the rehearsal room!
by Stephi Wild - October 18, 2022
The full Broadway cast has been announced for the American premiere of The Collaboration, written by Anthony McCarten (The Two Popes, Bohemian Rhapsody), and directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah (The Visitor, Tree).
by Stephi Wild - September 12, 2022
Tickets are now on sale for the American premiere of The Collaboration, featuring Paul Bettany and Jeremy Pope, written by Anthony McCarten, and directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah.
The Collaboration History
Other Productions of The Collaboration
| 2022 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
The Collaboration - 2022 Broadway Awards and Nominations
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance Award | Jeremy Pope |
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