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

[Fordham2015]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#1

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

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

[Jordan Catalano]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#2

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]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#3

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]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#4

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

Ooh, give us a hint...

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#5

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

Loretta Swit?

[Musigamist]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#6

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

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

[Play Esq.]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#7

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

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

[scripps]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#8

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

Ayad Akhtar and Robert Downey Jr. How ridiculously exciting.

[Dylan Smith4]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#9

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]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#10

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]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#11

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

Wow!! That should be awesome!!

[KevinKlawitter]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#12

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]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#13

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]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#14

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]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#15

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]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#16

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]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#17

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]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#18

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

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

[Dylan Smith4]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#19

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]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#20

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]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#21

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]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#22

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]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#23

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.

[Melissa25]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#24

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

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

[dramamama611]

Robert Downey Jr to make Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's McNeal at Lincoln Center#25

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.