Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center

[Fordham2015]

Posted: 5/7/24 at 12:14pm

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/07/theater/robert-downey-jr-ayad-akhtar-broadway.html

[Jordan Catalano]

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.  

Updated On: 5/7/24 at 12:23 PM

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

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]

Posted: 5/7/24 at 12:37pm

Ooh, give us a hint...

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 5/7/24 at 12:37pm

Loretta Swit?

[Musigamist]

Posted: 5/7/24 at 12:38pm

"Strictly limited run! September 5 - November 24" according to the email I just received.

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 5/7/24 at 1:06pm

That membership most of us got for Vanya really did pay off! What a catch!

[scripps]

Posted: 5/7/24 at 1:09pm

Ayad Akhtar and Robert Downey Jr. How ridiculously exciting.

[Dylan Smith4]

Posted: 5/7/24 at 1:18pm

This is exciting! Glad they chose a big venue cause this will likely sell out fast!!

[verywellthensigh]

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]

Posted: 5/7/24 at 1:21pm

Wow!! That should be awesome!!

[KevinKlawitter]

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]

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]

Posted: 5/7/24 at 2:33pm

Apparently he was offered Uncle Vanya but turned it down for this. 

[KevinKlawitter]

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]

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]

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]

Posted: 5/8/24 at 7:48pm

Have never seen a performance there. Any seats to avoid? 

[Dylan Smith4]

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. 

[Alex Kulak2]

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]

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]

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]

Posted: 5/9/24 at 8:26am

Anyone know when tix will go on sale for this one? 

[Melissa25]

Posted: 5/9/24 at 8:33am

Tickets go on sale 5/21 at noon or for members on 5/14 at 10am.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/9/24 at 9:22am

Thank you!