About the Show

Discover humanity's complexities in Akhtar's new play, starring Robert Downey Jr.

Jacob McNeal, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., stands as a literary giant perennially on the cusp of a Nobel Prize in Literature. However, beneath his acclaim lies familial estrangement, a new novel, unresolved grievances, and an unsettling fascination with Artificial Intelligence. Ayad Akhtar, a Pulitzer Prize laureate, unveils a thought-provoking examination of the intertwining threads of humanity and the burgeoning influence of AI in storytelling, directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher.

Critic Reviews (8)

"McNeal, played by the formidable Robert Downey Jr., is more a data set than a character."
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"McNeal aims to blur the lines that separate real stories from fictional ones"
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Robert Downey Jr. brings real acting chops to an AI-centric play
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The kind of play where little happens but much is discussed.
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a great showcase for Robert Downey Jr…a great vehicle for Ayad Akhtar’s questions about AI
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Robert Downey Jr. dazzles in his NY stage debut in this challenging and epic new play.
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Downey smooths over many of the character’s rough edges with his sly line readings
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An interesting concept that flips the narrative on art and AI.
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Trailer

Creative team