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The Alchemy of Talent: Don Cheadle, Ayo Edebiri, and the Revival of PROOF on Broadway

Broadway has always been a place where unforgettable stories meet unforgettable talent. Next spring, one of its most celebrated plays is making a comeback—and it’s returning with a powerhouse duo at its center.

David Auburn’s PROOF, the Pulitzer Prize– and Tony Award–winning play, will receive its first New York revival in 2026. Leading the production are two remarkable actors: Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri. Together, they’ll step into roles that have challenged generations of performers—Catherine and Robert, daughter and father, bound by love, genius, and legacy.

Why This Revival Matters

The original Broadway production of PROOF opened in 2000 and quickly became a phenomenon. Mary-Louise Parker starred as Catherine, earning a Tony Award for her performance, alongside Larry Bryggman as Robert, Johanna Day as Claire, and Ben Shenkman as Hal. That cast helped solidify the play’s reputation as one of the most important works of its era.

Now, nearly 25 years later, the revival offers a fresh pairing with Edebiri and Cheadle. Their collaboration brings new depth to the story: a daughter navigating her father’s shadow, a father grappling with brilliance and burden.

Ayo Edebiri: A Star on the Rise

At just 29, Ayo Edebiri has already made a lasting mark on television. Her Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning role as Sydney Adamu on The Bear introduced audiences to her unique blend of humor, vulnerability, and intensity. But her career extends far beyond one series. She’s voiced Pixar’s “Inside Out 2,” starred in indie comedies like “Bottoms” and “Theater Camp,” and even stepped behind the camera as a director. Her versatility makes her one of the most exciting talents of her generation.

Don Cheadle: A Living Legend

Don Cheadle’s career spans four decades, and his list of achievements is staggering: Academy Award nominee, Tony Award recipient, two Golden Globes, two Grammys, and eleven Emmy nominations. He’s known for transformative performances in films like “Hotel Rwanda,” “Crash,” and “Boogie Nights,” as well as his fan-favorite role in Marvel’s blockbuster franchise.

While Cheadle has performed on stage before—including originating the role of Booth in Suzan-Lori Parks’s TOPDOG/UNDERDOG Off-Broadway—PROOF marks his long-awaited return to New York theater. For Broadway fans, it feels less like a debut and more like a homecoming.

The Play That Changed Theater

PROOF is a story about family, trust, and the thin line between brilliance and madness. After her father’s death, Catherine claims authorship of a groundbreaking mathematical proof discovered in his study. But was it really hers? Or was it his? The play explores the weight of inheritance, the complexities of genius, and the courage it takes to step into your own light.

Its success has been global, with productions staged in London, Manila, Sydney, Tel Aviv, Stockholm, and Tokyo. Yet its heart has always been Broadway, where it first took flight.

A Creative Dream Team

The revival is in the hands of director Thomas Kail, whose work on HAMILTON and IN THE HEIGHTS transformed the landscape of musical theater. He’s joined by original music composer Kris Bowers (Oscar and Emmy winner), Tony-winning costume designer Dede Ayite, and a team dedicated to honoring the play’s legacy while giving it fresh energy for a new generation.

Looking Ahead

With Edebiri and Cheadle at its center, this revival of PROOF promises not just a return of a beloved play, but the creation of something entirely new—an exploration of legacy, love, and the power of performance.

Preview performances begin March 31, 2026, with opening night set for April 16 at a Shubert theater (to be announced). For theater fans, it’s shaping up to be one of Broadway’s most anticipated events of the decade.