#Broadway Licensing #Ayad Akhtar #McNeal

Licensing Rights for 'McNeal'

Dramatists Play Service (DPS), the esteemed imprint of Broadway Licensing Global, announced that the rights to license 'McNeal', the latest work by Pulitzer Prize-winner Ayad Akhtar, are now available globally. This new play, recognized for its provocative themes, adds to DPS's remarkable collection of significant works.

Plot Overview

'McNeal' tells the story of Jacob McNeal, a celebrated writer teetering on the brink of literary acclaim. As a candidate frequently considered for the Nobel Prize in literature, McNeal is juggling his celebrated career and the pressures that accompany it. The play delves deeply into McNeal's complex lifestyle, marked by a new novel, a pressing interview, a strained relationship with his son, and health issues that threaten to derail his ambitions.

Diving into the modern narrative landscape, the play also grapples with McNeal's obsession with artificial intelligence—an obsession that raises questions about creativity and authenticity in storytelling. Akhtar's work thoughtfully interrogates the methods we use to convey stories in a rapidly changing world.

Critical Acclaim

The premiere production of 'McNeal' took the stage at Lincoln Center Theater in 2024, featuring the talented Robert Downey Jr. in the lead role and directed by the esteemed Bartlett Sher, a Tony Award-winning director. Critics have lauded the play as “a brilliant and transfixing new work,” highlighting its ability to captivate and challenge audiences.

Ted Chapin, the CEO of Broadway Licensing Global, shared high praise for Akhtar, stating, “His work is always fearless and compelling, and 'McNeal' is no exception. This is a play that will both provoke thought and mesmerize viewers.