Robert Downey Jr. to make Broadway debut in play 'McNeal'
Robert Downey Jr. is preparing for his first-ever Broadway performance this fall. The Academy Award-winning actor will take the lead role in a new play titled McNeal, written by Pulitzer Prize laureate Ayad Akhtar. The production is directed by Tony recipient Bartlett Sher. The play will begin previews at the Vivian Beaumont Theater on September 5, with its grand opening scheduled for September 30. It will conclude on November 24.
'McNeal': A glimpse into Downey's character and plot
In McNeal, Downey will portray Jacob McNeal, a gifted writer grappling with familial challenges while crafting his latest novel. According to the official synopsis, "Good writers borrow, great writers steal. Jacob McNeal (Downey) is a great writer, one of our greatest, and 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."
'McNeal' production and creative team details
The production of McNeal is a joint venture between Lincoln Center Theater and Downey's production company, Team Downey. The creative ensemble includes Michael Yeargan and Jake Barton for set design, Jennifer Moeller for costumes, Donald Holder for lighting, and Justin Ellington and Beth Lake managing sound. Projections will be handled by Barton while Jennifer Rae Moore serves as the stage manager. Full casting details will be announced at a later time.
Know more about Akhtar and Sher
Akhtar—a Pulitzer Prize winner for Disgraced—has penned other acclaimed plays such as Junk, The Who & the What, and The Invisible Hand. Sher—recipient of a Tony Award for Aaron Sorkin's adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird—has served as a resident director at Lincoln Center since 2008. His notable works there encompass The King & I, Oslo, My Fair Lady, and Camelot. Additionally, his directorial credits on Broadway and the West End include Pictures From Home and Fiddler on the Roof.
Meanwhile, look at Downey's recent achievements and upcoming projects
Besides new ventures, Downey recently won his first Oscar for his performance in Christopher Nolan's historical drama Oppenheimer. His other projects to look forward to include HBO's adaptation of The Sympathizer and Paramount's remake of Vertigo. In The Sympathizer, Downey portrays four distinct characters, a detail revealed by executive producer Susan Downey who also hinted at a surprise awaiting fans at the series' conclusion. Currently, four of seven episodes are out.
