Robert Downey Jr. Makes His Broadway Debut With a Witty, Charismatic Performance in ‘McNeal’
Downey plays the title character in the new play from Ayad Akhtar, whose probing social conscience and capacity for finding nuance in divisive issues have informed works such as ‘JUNK’ and the Pulitzer Prize-winning ‘Disgraced.’

It has been said that good artists copy and great artists steal, and it would seem that in recent years such pursuits, along with those of many lesser talents, have been increasingly facilitated by technology. Early in Ayad Akhtar’s new play, “McNeal,” the title character, a celebrated author, is accepting a highly prestigious award when he veers into a delicious screed against artificial intelligence.
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