A new play byAyad Akhtar
Directed byBartlett Sher

Beaumont Theater / Seating Chart

Running time: 1 hour and 40 minutes, no intermission
Recommended age: 16 years and older

Robert Downey Jr. is a commanding presence leading a knockout cast.

— Entertainment Weekly, September 30, 2024

Jacob McNeal (Academy Award® winner Robert Downey Jr.) is a great writer, one of our greatest, a perpetual candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literature. But McNeal also has an estranged son, a new novel, old axes to grind and an unhealthy fascination with Artificial Intelligence. Pulitzer Prize-winner Ayad Akhtar’s new play is a startling and wickedly smart examination of the inescapable humanity – and increasing inhumanity – of the stories we tell. Directed by Tony Award® winner Bartlett Sher.

Robert Downey Jr.


Go Inside McNEAL's Road to Broadway

Watch a montage of scenes from McNEAL

Go Inside Opening Night of McNEAL

McNEAL On the LCT Blog

Lincoln Center Theater gratefully acknowledges Lynne and Richard Pasculano’s visionary leadership support for McNEAL.

McNEAL is made possible in part by the generosity of Aura, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, and by Dasha Epstein, whose gift is made in honor and admiration of Ayad Akhtar’s work. This play is also supported by The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, and is a recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New Play Award. McNEAL evolved with support from the LCT Daryl Roth Play and Musical Theater Development Program and was commissioned through the generosity of Laura Speyer and Josef Goodman. 40th Anniversary Season support is provided by Denise Littlefield Sobel.