Robert Downey Jr shines in Broadway debut as McNEAL

Robert Downey Jr. is no stranger to the world of technology. The actor's most famous role is as Tony Stark in the 2008 film, Iron Man, a role that would progressively delve into modern technological advancements helmed by the prodigal genius, Stark. Yet, the actor does find himself in new waters in his official debut in a stage production, and he certainly couldn't have picked a more difficult role than that of McNeal.

Artificial intelligence, real emotion

The sci-fi genre often boils down to one very important question: What defines being human in a heavily digitized, technological era? McNeal tackles this question head-on, focusing on its protagonist, an alcoholic, egocentric misogynist with a penchant for problematic thoughts and opinions on the cusp of his greatest award: the Nobel Prize for literature.

Amid failing health and relationships and the Me Too movement at his door, McNeal barrels through his writer's block to craft a new masterpiece worthy of the award he has long coveted. There's just one problem though: Shakespeare might like to have a word with him about some parts of his latest work.

Nailing the part, hook, line, and sinker

Jacob McNeal is a difficult role to play. The character is wildly unlikeable on several fronts, yet, on paper, he's designed to be charming and eloquent in a way that makes it hard to hate him, despite his faults and flaws. Even more so when he forces you to question what classifies as plagiarism - after all, even Shakespeare drew on an older play to craft King Lear so why would using his work to inform one's own count as theft?

This is precisely where an actor like Downey Jr. truly shines. His ability to bring heart and wit to a flawed character isn't surprising, since fans have already witnessed him do so with Stark. Yet, in his debut stage role on Broadway, the actor is challenged with bringing a far more nuanced character to life. After all, a "genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist" is a bit easier to make charming than a problematic literary genius defending himself against allegations of plagiarism.

Even more so when one of the people he is alleged to have stolen from is his wife, someone who he cheated on, and a woman who eventually took her own life.

Sticking the landing

Shine, however, is precisely what Downey Jr. does in this role. The play has drawn conflicting reviews, with some lauding its take on plagiarism as a literary tool and others critiquing its pacing and lack of narrative depth. Yet, there is a consensus that the play's leading actor delivers a solid debut performance in a challenging role.

Catch Robert Downey Jr. as McNEAL for a limited run at Broadway's Vivian Beaumont Theatre.