English
English
DURATION
1 hour 45 mins, no intermission
CLOSING DATE
Until November 24, 2024
AGE LIMIT
Suitable for 16+
AboutVenueTicketsReviews
Why watch McNEAL?
- Academy Award winner Robert Downey Jr. makes his Broadway in Pulitzer-winner Ayad Akhtar’s one-act stage play, McNeal.
- A brilliantly existentialist story, it follows one man’s pursuit of literary notoriety, even as he stands atop the embers of his strained personal relationships.
- Akhtar uses the increasingly blurred lines between human and artificial intelligence to pierce the core of what defines modern literature.
- Playing for a limited run at the Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theatre, this is a sci-fi drama that will leave you questioning where McNeal’s unraveling humanity ends - and where yours begins.
Ayad Akhtar (Disgraced, Homeland Elgies) is no stranger to the modern debate that has gripped the literary world: what separates the human pen from an AI-generated one? Having himself dabbled in blending fact and fiction, Akhtar weaves his own approach to artistic freedom into McNeal, a man who finds himself on the cusp of a career-high only to have it tempered by the little artificially intelligent helper he has in his closet.
Storyline
Jacob McNeal has one life-long ambition: to win the Nobel Prize in literature. Even as he battles estrangement, grief, and the allure of vices - from alcohol to the modern muse of artificial intelligence - his eye remains on his prize.
Yet prizes often come at grave personal costs, and McNeal must now grapple with his reality. A reality that he is slowly but surely losing a firm grip on.
Show timings
- Show timings for McNEAL on Broadway may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & crew
- Leading roles: Robert Downey Jr. as Jacob McNeal, Rafi Gavron as his son Harlan, Brittany Bellizeare as New York Times writer Natasha Brathwaite, Melora Hardin as Francine Blake, Saisha Talwar as Dipti, Ruthie Ann Miles as McNeal’s doctor, and Andrea Martin as an agent.
- Playwright: Ayad Akhtar
- Director: Bartlett Sher
Note: Producers can not guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.
Age & content guide
- This show is suited for patrons aged 16+.
- This production contains mature themes including addiction and death, viewer discretion is advised.
Vivian Beaumont Theatre, LCTRead more
The Vivian Beaumont Theatre is a 1,000-seater Broadway theater located within the Lincoln Center complex. Opened in 1965, it has staged successful productions like The King and I and My Fair Lady, establishing itself as a sought-after performance space despite it being the only Broadway venue not in the Theatre District.
Vivian Beaumont Theatre, LCT seating chart will help you find the best seats in the theatre.
Getting there
Address: 150 W 65th St, New York, NY 10023, United States (inside the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts)
Subway: The nearest station is 66 Street-Lincoln Center on Lines 1 and 2.
Bus: The nearest stops are West 65 Street and Amsterdam Avenue on route M66 and Amsterdam Avenue and West 65 Street on route M11.
Facilities & accessibility
Available Facilities: Bar, souvenir shop, restrooms
Accessibility: Accessible seating options and washrooms, audiovisual assistance
Additional information
- Security: Theater staff may run a few pre-entry security checks to ensure the safety and comfort of all patrons.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire are great choices if you’re unsure of what to wear.
- Outside Food: Most theaters do not permit outside food. Venues may offer in-house concessions and refreshments that you can purchase before or after a show.
Tickets redemption
- You’ll get an instant email confirmation right after you book your tickets.
- Enjoy a hassle-free entrance to the venue by showing your mobile ticket and a valid photo ID – no printout necessary!
Cancellation & refunds
- Tickets cannot be refunded, amended, or rescheduled.
Ratings & reviews
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Frequently asked questions about McNEAL
How much do McNEAL tickets cost?
Tickets start from $352.50 and the cost will vary depending on the seats you choose.
What age is McNEAL appropriate for?
The show is suitable for ages 16 and above. This production contains mature themes so viewer discretion is advised.
Where is McNEAL playing in New York?
The show is playing at Broadway's Vivian Beaumont Theatre, located inside the Lincoln Center in New York.
What is McNEAL on Broadway about?
The show is a nuanced exploration of literary authenticity and human folly, blending modern themes of artificial intelligence with a tale as old as time: the unraveling of man in the pursuit of greatness.
How long does McNEAL run for?
The running time is 1 hour and 45 minutes.