James Corden received widespread praise for his performance in the Broadway revival of the 1994 comedy Art, leaving the Music Box Theatre on Tuesday with his wife, Julia Carey, after an opening-night run that critics called a "masterclass in comedy." The British actor, 47, was described by multiple reviewers as the production's standout and drew extended applause for a physically charged, comic turn.
The revival, which co-stars Bobby Cannavale and Neil Patrick Harris, explores friendship, ego and modern art. Reporters noted Corden in casual denim as he exited the theatre alongside Carey, 49, who wore an asymmetrical burgundy dress. The opening-night audience included a number of high-profile figures, among them Rose Byrne, Sarah Paulson, Jodie Foster, Paul Rudd, Anna Wintour, Goldie Hawn and producer Jordan Roth, as well as Harris's husband David Burtka and their twins.
Reviews published after the premiere were uniformly positive about Corden's work. The Times urged theatergoers to "consider a flight to New York" to see Corden's performance, noting his "whizzy, bottled-up physical exuberance." The Guardian called Corden "superb," singling out a blistering, multi-voice monologue that drew prolonged applause when he collapsed "spent and spittle-covered" into a chair. Variety said Corden's turn "reassert[s] himself as a major theatre actor," while The Wrap highlighted a prolonged comedic beat that the critic said Corden milked for all it was worth. The New York Times described all three leads as "fine" and said Corden was frequently "a lot more than that." The Daily Beast wrote that Corden delivered "a masterclass of comedy."
Art, which follows a trio of friends whose relationships are tested by a provocative painting, marks Corden's first return to the U.S. stage since his Tony Award-winning performance in One Man, Two Guvnors in 2012. The production is directed by Scott Ellis and reunites Corden with high-profile co-stars who bring varied theatrical and screen résumés to the revival.
Ahead of opening night, Corden acknowledged experiencing anxiety about the role. In August, at a 92Y event, he said he had "woken up every single morning sweating" over a central speech and described being "terrified" at the prospect of doing the play. Those comments contrasted with the onstage confidence critics observed during Tuesday's performance.
Corden's appearance on Broadway comes as he continues projects on both sides of the Atlantic. He was absent from a recent National Television Awards celebration in the U.K., where the BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey — which he co-created with Ruth Jones — won Best Comedy. Members of the Gavin & Stacey cast accepted the award in London. Separately, Corden and Jones have signed a deal to develop a new comedy series for Apple TV+. A source familiar with the project said production will begin next year with 10 episodes planned and a premiere not expected until 2027; the new series will feature an all-British cast and will not reuse the original Gavin & Stacey characters.
Corden married Julia Carey in 2012; the couple have three children: son Max and daughters Carey and Charlotte. The opening-night turnout and critical response suggest Corden's Broadway return has reestablished him on the stage, drawing attention from critics and peers alike as the theatre season unfolds.