The Lifespan of a Fact Is an Unequivocal Broadway Hit

The Lifespan of a Fact, a world-premiere play starring Daniel Radcliffe, Cherry Jones, and Bobby Cannavale, officially recouped its Broadway production costs the week ending December 9. The play, directed by Tony nominee Leigh Silverman, is set to run through January 13, 2019, at Studio 54. The production began performances on September 20 ahead of an October 18 opening.

Based on the book of the same name by John D'Agata and Jim Fingal, The Lifespan of a Fact is written by Jeremy Karekan, David Murrell, and Gordon Farrell, and is described as follows: "The determined young fact checker (Daniel Radcliffe) is about to stir up trouble. The demanding editor (Cherry Jones) has given him a big assignment: apply his skill to a groundbreaking piece by the unorthodox author (Bobby Cannavale). Together, they take on the high-stakes world of publishing in this new comedy of conflict. The ultimate showdown between fact and fiction is about to begin — with undeniably delicious consequences."

Both the book and play are based on the true story of John D'Agata's essay, What Happens There, about the Las Vegas suicide of teenager Levi Presley. Jim Fingal, assigned to fact-check the piece, ignited a seven-year debate on the blurred lines of what passes for truth in literary nonfiction.

A West End production and limited national tour are currently in the works.