Emmy winner Ayo Edebiri and Academy Award nominee Don Cheadle will make their Broadway debuts in the first-ever New York revival of David Auburn’s acclaimed play, Proof. The production is scheduled for a limited run starting with previews on March 31, 2026, followed by an official opening on April 16 at a Shubert theater to be announced.
A New Production of a Pulitzer and Tony-Winning Drama
Directed by Tony Award-winning Thomas Kail, known for Hamilton, and produced by Kail alongside Mike Bosner, Proof follows the story of a young woman grappling with her recently deceased mathematician father‘s legacy. Amidst dealing with his brilliance and struggles with mental illness, she must establish the rightful authorship of a groundbreaking mathematical proof found in his papers.
Profiles of the Lead Actors Making Broadway Debuts
Ayo Edebiri, acclaimed for her Emmy, SAG, and Golden Globe-winning role as Sydney in the television series The Bear, brings a multifaceted background as an actor, writer, producer, director, and comedian. Her screen credits include Inside Out 2, Bottoms, Theater Camp, Opus, Abbott Elementary, What We Do in the Shadows, and Big Mouth.
Don Cheadle, well known for his diverse filmography including Boogie Nights, Hotel Rwanda, the Oceans trilogy, Crash, Miles Ahead, and his role as James Rhodes (War Machine) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will be stepping onto Broadway for the first time in a starring role. Though new to Broadway, Cheadle made his New York stage debut in 2001 at the Public Theater’s production of Suzan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog, and he has performed regionally and Off-Broadway at venues such as the Guthrie Theater and Shakespeare in the Park.
Legacy and Previous Success of Proof
Proof originally premiered Off-Broadway at the Manhattan Theatre Club in 2000 before transferring to Broadway, where it won three Tony Awards, including Best Play. The production concluded on January 5, 2003, after 917 performances at the Walter Kerr Theatre, setting a record for the venue. In 2001, the play earned the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Proof’s reach extended to film in 2005 with an adaptation starring Anthony Hopkins and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Creative Team and Production Details
The revival’s creative lineup boasts award-winning talents such as composer Kris Bowers, scenic designer Teresa L. Williams, Tony-winning costume designer Dede Ayite, and lighting designer Amanda Zieve. Casting is overseen by Daniel Swee, while Baseline Theatrical manages the production. Additional cast members and design contributors will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Anticipation for the Revival and Its Place in Broadway History
This revival marks a significant moment as both Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri step into their first major Broadway roles, bringing fresh energy to a play with an enduring reputation for exploring complex themes of genius, mental health, and family bonds. Directed by Thomas Kail, whose work on Hamilton reshaped modern Broadway, this production promises a thoughtful, compelling experience for theatergoers when it opens in 2026.
