Ayad Akhtar (Disgraced, Homeland Elgies) is no stranger to the modern debate that has gripped the literary world: what separates the human pen from an AI-generated one? Having himself dabbled in blending fact and fiction, Akhtar weaves his own approach to artistic freedom into McNeal, a man who finds himself on the cusp of a career-high only to have it tempered by the little artificially intelligent helper he has in his closet.
Jacob McNeal has one life-long ambition: to win the Nobel Prize in literature. Even as he battles estrangement, grief, and the allure of vices - from alcohol to the modern muse of artificial intelligence - his eye remains on his prize.
Yet prizes often come at grave personal costs, and McNeal must now grapple with his reality. A reality that he is slowly but surely losing a firm grip on.
The Vivian Beaumont Theatre is a 1,000-seater Broadway theater located within the Lincoln Center complex. Opened in 1965, it has staged successful productions like The King and I and My Fair Lady, establishing itself as a sought-after performance space despite it being the only Broadway venue not in the Theatre District.
Vivian Beaumont Theatre, LCT seating chart will help you find the best seats in the theatre.
Address: 150 W 65th St, New York, NY 10023, United States (inside the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts)
Subway: The nearest station is 66 Street-Lincoln Center on Lines 1 and 2.
Bus: The nearest stops are West 65 Street and Amsterdam Avenue on route M66 and Amsterdam Avenue and West 65 Street on route M11.
Available Facilities: Bar, souvenir shop, restrooms
Accessibility: Accessible seating options and washrooms, audiovisual assistance
Tickets start from $352.50 and the cost will vary depending on the seats you choose.
The show is suitable for ages 16 and above. This production contains mature themes so viewer discretion is advised.
The show is playing at Broadway's Vivian Beaumont Theatre, located inside the Lincoln Center in New York.
The show is a nuanced exploration of literary authenticity and human folly, blending modern themes of artificial intelligence with a tale as old as time: the unraveling of man in the pursuit of greatness.
The running time is 1 hour and 45 minutes.