Hollywood Stars Take on Broadway: Denzel, Clooney, and More
- Mia Farrow returns to the stage in 'The Roommate' alongside Patti LuPone, marking her first performance since 'Rosemary's Baby.'
- Robert Downey Jr. makes his Broadway debut in 'McNeal,' portraying a novelist with a controversial interest in A.I.
- The trend of casting celebrities in limited-run plays is seen as a strategy to enhance box office success.
Broadway is experiencing a surge of Hollywood stars taking to the stage, with notable performances this fall. Mia Farrow, at 79, is making a return to the theater in 'The Roommate,' a comedy about two mismatched women, alongside three-time Tony winner Patti LuPone. This marks Farrow's first stage appearance since her breakout role in 'Rosemary's Baby' over five decades ago. Robert Downey Jr. is also making his Broadway debut in 'McNeal,' a new play by Ayad Akhtar. Known for his iconic role as Iron Man and his Oscar-winning performance in 'Oppenheimer,' Downey portrays a novelist grappling with a controversial interest in artificial intelligence. This production is currently running at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. The trend of casting celebrities in limited-run plays is driven by producers' belief that such productions are more likely to be financially successful than new musicals. This strategy aims to attract audiences and boost box office sales, as big names can draw in crowds. As the season progresses, the presence of these Hollywood stars on Broadway highlights a significant shift in the theater landscape, blending the worlds of film and stage. The excitement surrounding these performances suggests a renewed interest in live theater, potentially paving the way for more celebrity-led productions in the future.