Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Fordham2015
Broadway Star Joined: 4/3/17
#2Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/7/24 at 12:23pm
I was told this was a possibility about a week ago and immediately started putting some money aside lol.
There’s also a REALLY great actress who hasn’t been on Broadway in over 20 years joining the cast, I believe.
ErmengardeStopSniveling
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/20/18
#3Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/7/24 at 12:27pm
That's a HUGE get for LCT.
I know Downey's stage experience is limited but I imagine his live-wire energy will translate pretty well to the stage, and maybe he'll enjoy the consistency of 8x a week.
He's really on a comeback run between Oppenheimer (an exceptional performance so unlike his other roles), Park Chan-Wook's The Sympathizer on HBO, and now this...much different than where he left us before the pandemic (Dr. Dolittle).
Stephen75
Stand-by Joined: 5/14/14
#4Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/7/24 at 12:37pm
Ooh, give us a hint...
ErmengardeStopSniveling
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/20/18
#5Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/7/24 at 12:37pm
Loretta Swit?
Musigamist
Understudy Joined: 2/5/23
#6Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/7/24 at 12:38pm
"Strictly limited run! September 5 - November 24" according to the email I just received.
#7Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/7/24 at 1:06pm
That membership most of us got for Vanya really did pay off! What a catch!
#8Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/7/24 at 1:09pm
Ayad Akhtar and Robert Downey Jr. How ridiculously exciting.
#9Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/7/24 at 1:18pm
This is exciting! Glad they chose a big venue cause this will likely sell out fast!!
The idea is to work and to experiment. Some things will be creatively successful, some things will succeed at the box office, and some things will only - which is the biggest only - teach you things that see the future. And they're probably as valuable as any of your successes. -Harold Prince
verywellthensigh
Broadway Star Joined: 6/14/22
#10Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/7/24 at 1:19pm
Very, very exciting.
The only wild card is Sher, whose track record for fostering new material has been spotty.
Zeppie2022
Broadway Star Joined: 7/12/22
#11Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/7/24 at 1:21pm
Wow!! That should be awesome!!
KevinKlawitter
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/21/20
#12Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/7/24 at 2:17pm
He's really on a comeback run between Oppenheimer (an exceptional performance so unlike his other roles), Park Chan-Wook's The Sympathizer on HBO, and now this...much different than where he left us before the pandemic (Dr. Dolittle)."
Now he needs to get an audiobook or something and then Downey could speedrun the EGOT.
ErmengardeStopSniveling
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/20/18
#13Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/7/24 at 2:23pm
KevinKlawitter said: "Now he needs to get an audiobook or something and then Downey could speedrun the EGOT."
An audiobook audiobography would be amazing and hilarious, considering the life he's led and the highs and lows that he's not afraid to discuss.
Even if this isn't a Tony-worthy performance, good for him for stretching himself after so long in the Marvel/franchise zone.
bigbelterbaby
Broadway Star Joined: 7/5/10
#14Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/7/24 at 2:33pm
Apparently he was offered Uncle Vanya but turned it down for this.
Hesione Hushabye thinks it tastes like ashes.
KevinKlawitter
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/21/20
#15Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/7/24 at 3:01pm
bigbelterbaby said: "Apparently he was offered Uncle Vanya but turned it down for this."
Was he actually offered Vanya? Because Downey feels more like an Astrov to me.
RippedMan
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/14/05
#16Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/7/24 at 7:09pm
He likely won’t get the Tony for such a short run. And we’ve still got Denzel.
inception
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/2/13
#17Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/8/24 at 7:42pm
In a play dealing with AI, will the cast still have to roll furniture and set pieces around the stage?
Even with RDj, I'm quite hesitant to include this in a trip where I only have three spaces open.
...
MasterThespian 2
Stand-by Joined: 3/22/22
#18Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/8/24 at 7:48pm
Have never seen a performance there. Any seats to avoid?
#19Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/8/24 at 8:36pm
MasterThespian 2 said: "Have never seen a performance there. Any seats to avoid?"
The Beaumont is a thrust stage. Unless you are ok with missing stuff behind the proscenium, then try to be more center. Anywhere in the center orchestra and center loge are good.
The idea is to work and to experiment. Some things will be creatively successful, some things will succeed at the box office, and some things will only - which is the biggest only - teach you things that see the future. And they're probably as valuable as any of your successes. -Harold Prince
Alex Kulak2
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/11/16
#20Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/8/24 at 10:22pm
Looks like RDJ will be co-producing through his production company. Interesting, you don't see actors producing plays they're acting in very often.
inception
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/2/13
#21Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/8/24 at 11:26pm
Alex Kulak2 said: "Looks like RDJ will be co-producing through his production company. Interesting, you don't see actors producing plays they're acting in very often."
Most actors on Broadway don't have an estimated net worth of $300 million.
...
BoringBoredBoard40
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/27/21
#22Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/9/24 at 4:14am
anyone who doesn't think this will sell out almost immediately is fooling themselves, also likely has a extension built in til new years
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#23Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/9/24 at 8:26am
Anyone know when tix will go on sale for this one?
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
#24Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/9/24 at 8:33am
Tickets go on sale 5/21 at noon or for members on 5/14 at 10am.
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#25Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center
Posted: 5/9/24 at 9:22am
Thank you!
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
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