"In 'Junk,' Akhtar has written a modern-day morality tale that scrupulously questions the possibility of moral choice in a world where money, the new might, now makes right."
The New York Times
"In 'Junk,' Akhtar has written a modern-day morality tale that scrupulously questions the possibility of moral choice in a world where money, the new might, now makes right."
The New York Times
Why see Junk?
From The Writer Of Disgraced
Ayad Akhtar, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright behind Disgraced, turns his attention to Wall Street in new work Junk. This meticulously constructed financial thriller, which receives its New York premiere at the Beaumont, centers on an investment bank's hostile takeover of a manufacturing firm, and the ruthless wunderkind who's heading the deal. Set in the mid-eighties, it portrays the crucial moment in history when pure, unalloyed greed for money became the dominant driving force in America. The cast is led by Tony nominee Steven Pasquale (The Bridges of Madison County).
Junk debuted in Los Angeles last year, where it was met with unanimous praise from the critics for its brisk pace and moral complexity. This Broadway production is directed by Doug Hughes.
What is Junk About?
According to Time Magazine, Robert Merkin is 'America's Alchemist'. The year is 1985, and Merkin is a key player at investment bank Sacker Lowell, infamous for their cutthroat hostile takeovers of many of America's waning manufacturing companies. Merkin's next target is Everson Steel and United, but boss Thomas Everson is determined to stop his family-built business from falling into the hands of this upstart tycoon. The ensuing legal battle pits lawyers against workers, journalists against bosses, and the old America against the new.
Key Information
Audience
Run Time
Dates
Cast
Steven Pasquale
Phillip James Brannon
Tony Carlin
Caroline Hewitt
Rick Holmes
Ted Koch
Teresa Avia Lim
Danny Mastrogiorgio
Nate Miller
Ethan Phillips
Matthew Rauch
Matthew Saldivar
Michael Siberry
Miriam Silverman
Joey Slotnick
Henry Stram
Creative
Written by Ayad Akhtar
Directed by Doug Hughes
Sets by John Lee Beatty
Costumes by Catherine Zuber
Lighting Design by Ben Stanton
Original Music & Sound Design by Mark Bennett
Reviews
Our review
Thought-provoking, clever, excellent
Worth every cent! Novelist Ayad Akhtar's play opens a window into the lives of the men and women moving money in the private sector to make more.
Nicola Quinn
Customer reviews
MaryJo Garraty
Poignant