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Broadway Welcomes ‘McNEAL’: A Complex New Play by Ayad Akhtar

Lincoln Center Theater has launched its latest production, “McNEAL,” a thought-provoking play written by Ayad Akhtar and directed by Bartlett Sher. The show, which opens tonight on Broadway, features a powerhouse cast including Robert Downey Jr., Brittany Bellizeare, Rafi Gavron, Melora Hardin, Andrea Martin, Ruthie Ann Miles, and Saisha Talwar.

The narrative revolves around Jacob McNeal (played by Downey Jr.), a celebrated writer who grapples with his estranged relationship with his son, a new literary endeavor, and a troubling preoccupation with the concept of artificial intelligence. “McNEAL” aims to provide a penetrating look into the conflicting humanity and efficiency present in storytelling today.

Critics have had varied reactions to the play, with some praising its ambitious themes while others express disappointment over its execution. Charles Isherwood from The Wall Street Journal describes “McNEAL” as a “confused and discursive” piece that grapples with numerous ideas without offering significant depth. Adam Feldman of Time Out New York echoes these sentiments, noting the characters feel unrealistic and lack depth, making it challenging for audiences to connect with them meaningfully.

In contrast, Aramide Timubu from Variety suggests that the play fails to convey a clear message, leading to a finale that lacks thematic resonance. Robert Hofler from The Wrap also critiques the direction, stating that the ensemble cast’s performances at times feel overblown against Downey Jr.’s more subdued portrayal.

Jeremy Gerard of Deadline highlights the production’s advanced visual elements, which notably incorporate video projections to illustrate the play’s themes related to technology and creativity. However, he expresses concern that this technical flair detracts from the emotional core of the narrative.

Reviewers from USA Today and The New York Post further criticize the play for its underutilization of talented supporting cast members, such as Andrea Martin and Ruthie Ann Miles, suggesting that their roles feel more like fleeting cameos rather than integral parts of the story. The lack of substantive engagement with the deeper issues of integrity and creativity further frustrates many critics.

Meanwhile, others appreciate Downey Jr.’s performance, with Entertainment Weekly acknowledging the actor’s strong stage presence, even amidst a messy narrative. Similarly, Frank Scheck from New York Stage Review notes that Downey Jr.’s star power adds a certain gravitas which may help overshadow some of the play’s deficiencies.

In conclusion, “McNEAL” is characterized by its exploration of complex themes surrounding creativity, artificial intelligence, and human connection, yet it remains a subject of divided opinions regarding its effectiveness and coherence. As audiences tune in to experience the striking visual and thematic ambitions of the production, the question remains: can a powerful performance shine through a lackluster narrative?

Average Rating: 43.8%

Source
www.broadwayworld.com