“Mr. DeVito infuses the play, which is more a character study than a complex drama, with bustling energy and a warm if combative vitality.”

I Need That
Todd Haimes Theatre · 1h 45m
Opened Nov 2, 2023 · Closed Dec 30, 2023 · Ran for 1 month
Critics' Take
DeVito charms in this thin, sitcom-style comedy about a hoarder, but critics find Rebeck's play repetitive and dramatically inert. The star's performance earns praise, though the material rarely rises above predictable comfort theater.
This show has closed. Tickets are no longer available.
Critic Scorecard
32 reviews“By the end of the play’s 90 minutes, there can be no doubt (if there ever was) that Danny DeVito is an American treasure...DeVito plays every scene, every moment he’s given with complete honesty. That is something we need from every actor who steps upon a Broadway (or Off-Broadway stage). Let’s hope DeVito returns soon!”
“These are throwaway bits of physical comedy, but in the hands of a master like DeVito they are hilarious moments to be treasured, hoarded and not tossed away at any cost.”
“‘I Need That’ will prove satisfying for those looking to be entertained by DeVito and his daughter. He brings real joy and laughter, and there’s real value in that.”
“But it’s lesser Rebeck, a sweet-nothing of a play that’s content with the superficial.”
Audience Scorecard
Awards Scorecard
2023-24 seasonBox Office Scorecard
source · Broadway League, publicFrequently Asked Questions
What do critics say about I Need That?
DeVito charms in this thin, sitcom-style comedy about a hoarder, but critics find Rebeck's play repetitive and dramatically inert. The star's performance earns praise, though the material rarely rises above predictable comfort theater. (CriticScore 55/100 from 32 reviews.)
Is I Need That worth seeing?
Only if you're a devoted fan. Critics are mixed on I Need That (55/100 from 32 reviews). Most suggest you could skip it.
What is the CriticScore for I Need That?
I Need That has a CriticScore of 55/100 based on 32 professional reviews. This show is rated "Mixed".
Is I Need That still running on Broadway?
No, I Need That has closed. It played at Todd Haimes Theatre and closed on December 30, 2023.
How long is I Need That?
I Need That has a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes with no intermission.
Theater Scorecard
Great VenueCompleted a major renovation in early 2026 with all seats replaced and legroom expanded, making it one of Broadway's most comfortable and modern houses. New restrooms significantly reduce intermission wait times.
Original Broadway Cast
- Danny DeVitoSam
- Lucy DeVitoAmeliaBroadway debut
- Ray Anthony ThomasFoster
Creative Team
- Theresa RebeckPlaywright
- Moritz von StuelpnagelDirector
Quick Facts
- CriticScore
- 55/100 (32 reviews)
- Status
- Closed
- Opened
- Nov 2, 2023
- Closed
- Dec 30, 2023
- Run Length
- 1 month
- Runtime
- 1h 45m
- Intermissions
- 0
- Synopsis
- A darkly comic new play about a man buried alive in his stuff and the estranged family members trying to help him.
- Data Last Updated
- October 7, 2026






