“He’s horrifying, fascinating, and devastating all at once.”
PlayOriginal
PLAYORIGINALCLOSED
Giant
Music Box Theatre · 2h 20m · Opened Mar 23, 2026 · Closed Jun 28, 2026 · Ran for 3 months
Critics' Take
Lithgow delivers a towering, ferocious performance as Roald Dahl in this timely but preachy drama about the beloved children's author's antisemitism. Critics praise the acting and relevance while finding the play earnest and heavy-handed.
This show has closed — tickets are no longer available.
Critic Scorecard
25 reviewsSort:
“You won’t see a more powerful play this season, or a more important one.”
“Giant, thrilling and abrasive, is full of rewards.”
“Plays as vigorously argued as Giant are rare on Broadway, and Nicholas Hytner 's production delivers it with daggers drawn.”
“Mr. Lithgow, under the unerringly precise direction of the veteran Nicholas Hytner, does not shy away from any of his repellent aspects, bringing each to bruising and, thankfully, often scabrously funny life in a performance that’s a mesmerizing highlight of the theater season.”
Audience Scorecard
1.5K audience reviews
B+
Liking It
Awards Scorecard
2025-26 season72
Decorated
Won Best Actor (Play)
Lortel Award:2 winsDrama Desk:1 win / 10 nomsOuter Critics:2 nomsDrama League:1 nom
Box Office Scorecard
source · Broadway League, publicAll Time
Frequently Asked Questions
What do critics say about Giant?
Lithgow delivers a towering, ferocious performance as Roald Dahl in this timely but preachy drama about the beloved children's author's antisemitism. Critics praise the acting and relevance while finding the play earnest and heavy-handed. (CriticScore 78/100 from 25 reviews.)
Is Giant worth seeing?
Yes. Giant earns strong reviews from critics (78/100 from 25 reviews). Most theatergoers will have a great time.
What is the CriticScore for Giant?
Giant has a CriticScore of 78/100 based on 25 professional reviews. This is a "Recommended" show.
Is Giant still running on Broadway?
No, Giant has closed. It played at Music Box Theatre and closed on June 28, 2026.
How long is Giant?
Giant has a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes, including 1 intermission.
Is Giant appropriate for children?
Giant is recommended for Ages 12+.
Theater Scorecard
Typical VenueThe Music Box Theatre offers excellent sightlines from most seats, making it ideal for intimate dramas, though sound quality can vary. The theater's charming Georgian-inspired design adds to its ambiance, while comfort and facilities are average for a Broadway venue.
Original Broadway Cast
- John LithgowRoald DahlWinner: Actor (Play)
- Aya CashJessie StoneNom: Featured Actress (Play)Broadway debut
- Stella EverettHallieBroadway debut
- Elliot LeveyTom MaschlerBroadway debut
- David ManisWally
- Rachael StirlingFelicity "Liccy" CroslandBroadway debut
Creative Team
- Mark RosenblattPlaywright
- Nicholas HytnerDirector
Quick Facts
- CriticScore
- 78/100 (25 reviews)
- Status
- Closed
- Opened
- Mar 23, 2026
- Closed
- Jun 28, 2026
- Run Length
- 3 months
- Runtime
- 2h 20m
- Intermissions
- 1
- Age
- Ages 12+
- Synopsis
- Set in summer 1983, Roald Dahl faces the fallout from a recently published antisemitic article just as The Witches is about to be released. Over one fraught afternoon at his family home, he must choose between making a public apology or defending his reputation. Winner of three Olivier Awards.
- Data Last Updated
- September 13, 2026
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