The father-daughter duo served as the impetus for Theresa Rebeck’s new drama at the American Airlines Theatre.
More than five years after his Tony-nominated turn in Arthur Miller’sThe Price,Danny DeVitois heading back to Broadway.
The father-daughter duo have very close ties to the material.
Danny DeVito.Daniel Bergeron
“This play is really wonderful,” says DeVito.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: How didI Need Thatcome together?
We did a Zoom of this scene, and it was directed by this guy, Moritz von Stuelpnagel.
And we had such a good time doing it.
We had a few conversations with Theresa, then she went away and came back withI Need That.
Basically, the conflict is a guy who likes to keep his stuff.
He’s the third character in the play.
What was your reaction to Theresa Rebeck writing a play specifically with you and Lucy in mind?
That was flattering and really great.
That was really Moritz and Theresa we just floated the idea that we’d love to work together.
We responded to it in a big way.
She gave us a lot of reasons to want to be up there together.
This is a story that I imagine came from somewhere inside Theresa.
I think it’s very personal and we’re thrilled to be part of it.
What is it like to tap into Sam’s headspace each day?
I’m finding a lot of similarities to Sam and myself.
It’s going to be a great, interesting journey for me.
It must also be even more poignant doing so with Lucy.
The thing I always think about with this play is: thank goodness my character doesn’t drive.
That’s the charm of New York!
You don’t have to worry about him being in a vehicle.
You previously starred on Broadway in Arthur Miller’sThe Price, another Roundabout Production, back in 2017.
How does it feel to be getting ready to step back into theater mode once again?
We’re in the journey now to find that.
The play not only serves as your return to Broadway, but also as Lucy’s Broadway debut.
How excited are you to be sharing that experience with her?
Very, very excited.
She’s a wonderful actress and a great kid and we have a good time together.
We’re developing a lot of things now.
Ray Anthony Thomas' character is Sam’s friend rather than a family member.
What does he bring to the play’s dynamic?
There are lots of things to be experienced with the relationships between the three.
Oh yeah, we do.
Sshe’s open to everything, and I’m open to everything that she has to give me.
What do you hope theatergoers take away fromI Need That?
It’s a comedy; we’re going to have some fun.
We’re gonna see some extremes.
This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
