Giant
Edna Ferber's epic Texas saga comes to Broadway at the Music Box Theatre. Big ambitions, bigger drama, and an unforgettable cast.
About this show
Giant Tickets
Giant brings the remarkable story of Roald Dahl's public reckoning to Broadway, starring six-time Emmy winner John Lithgow in his Olivier Award-winning performance. This compelling drama, written by Mark Rosenblatt and directed by Nicholas Hytner, explores the scandal that threatened to destroy Dahl's literary legacy.
Set in the aftermath of a shocking controversy, the play follows the world-famous author as he faces public scrutiny and personal turmoil. Once beloved for his children's stories, Dahl must confront the consequences of his actions and fight to restore his reputation. With relationships, legacies, and his very identity on the line, Giant asks whether redemption is possible when the world is watching.
Critics have praised this production as "urgent" and compelling, highlighting Lithgow's powerhouse performance alongside Aya Cash, Elliot Levey, and Rachael Stirling. After its acclaimed West End run, Giant arrives at the Music Box Theatre for a strictly limited 16-week engagement from March to June 2026.
What to Expect at Giant
Giant runs for 2 hours 15 minutes with one interval, giving you time to process the intense dramatic moments. John Lithgow leads the cast as Roald Dahl, delivering the same performance that earned him an Olivier Award in London. The supporting cast includes Aya Cash as Jessie Stone, Elliot Levey as Tom Maschler, and Rachael Stirling as Felicity Crosland.
The Music Box Theatre provides an intimate setting for this character-driven drama. With just over 1,000 seats, the venue's classic Broadway atmosphere enhances the play's emotional impact. Set designer Bob Crowley has created a production that focuses on the performers, allowing the powerful dialogue and performances to take centre stage.
This production stands out for its unflinching examination of power, reputation, and accountability. Director Nicholas Hytner brings his precise, actor-focused approach to a story that resonates strongly with contemporary audiences exploring themes of cancel culture and second chances.
Before You Go
Giant is suitable for ages 12 and above. Children under 4 will not be admitted to the theatre. The play deals with mature themes including public scandal and personal accountability, making it most appropriate for teenagers and adults.
Smart casual or semi-formal attire is recommended for the Music Box Theatre. Arrive at least 30 minutes before curtain time, as late arrivals may not be seated until a suitable break in the performance. Mobile phones must be switched off, and photography or recording is strictly prohibited.
The Music Box Theatre offers wheelchair accessible seating, accessible restrooms, companion seating, and assistive listening devices. The venue includes a bar, restrooms, lounge, and cloakroom facilities. Contact the box office in advance to arrange specific accessibility accommodations, and note that service animals are welcome.
Good to know
Refund policy
These tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled.
What audiences say
Audiences love the powerful performances, particularly praising John Lithgow's role as a complex author, Roald Dahl. Many commend the show's timely and relevant themes, provoking thoughtful discussions about antisemitism and the moral responsibilities of beloved figures. The acting and writing are consistently noted as exceptional, contributing to a gripping narrative that resonates with contemporary issues.
Based on 135 audience reviews · 4.3/5 average
What the critics say
““I found Lithgow’s performance a fascinating study in monstrosity, but I found myself more engaged by the conversations I’ve had since seeing ‘Giant’”
““Lithgow, who has long excelled at conveying erudition, shows us how, confronted with demands, Dahl conceals shivs within gossamer webs of words.””
““Lithgow’s portrayal of Dahl is ultimately fearsome, but the play’s moral complexity marks it as more than a portrait of the artist as a difficult man.””
““As the boulder of Giant rolls toward its inevitable conclusion, we sense the dull, crushing tragedy that will come with its impact.””
“What we have here is, in essence, a furiously verbose debate play revolving around two very prescient questions”
“It’s Lithgow’s ability to be quiet and sweet and seconds later booming and scary that makes us squirm in our seats over our own feelings toward the writer. At times, we really do like him.”
“Startlingly relevant to the world we live in today.”
““Regardless of some minor shortcomings “Giant” is a Broadway show not to be missed this season, due primarily to the 'Giant' performance by the magnificent John Lithgow.””
“Most of all, there's Lithgow as Dahl, comfortably seated atop a tripwire, cheerfully threatening new explosions at the slightest provocation. It's an evening-long dance on the high-wire, creating a character equally charming and repellent, possessed with an endless fund of unappeased rage reaching back to the nursery.”
“The play is very good in these crackling scenes of arguments, but Rosenblatt also stuffs it with tangents that dilute the plot.”
“The play's strongest moments come during the arguments between Dahl and Stone, who, after a more genteel initial approach, stands toe-to-toe with him, much to the consternation of the others who prefer to ignore his outbursts.”
“The more “Giant” reveals about Dahl’s antisemitism, the more ambivalent I feel about the play.”
““Giant shrinks from the nagging fact that it goes in circles rather than building in gripping dramatic fashion.””
“The masterfully written and thrillingly performed drama depicts Dahl obstinately refusing to extinguish a fire of his own making...Giant proves that, with a sufficient level of fame, an artist can do that and get away with it.”
“Delivering his lines with the gusto of a willful boy who knows that he's being naughty but acts out regardless, John Lithgow gives a force-of-nature star turn that renders spotlights superfluous.”
This show has finished its run.
Want to read or produce this play? Learn more about Giant
Community Reviews
Venue
Music Box Theatre, 239 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, USA
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