The Fear of 13 at James Earl Jones Theatre

“Adrien Brody shines in a soul-baring stage debut. ‘The Fear Of 13’ belongs in a league of its own.” – The Times Of London

Some critics have hailed it as an “unmissable portrait of death row injustice” (The Telegraph), and others “a soulful, awe-inspiring performance in a real-life tale of injustice” (London Theatre). Audiences are walking away moved, speechless, and emotionally touched. 

A true story of one man’s struggle between trust and truth, conscience and connection, when faced with a failing justice system, wrongful accusations, and being on death row for a crime he didn’t commit is finally receiving the stage-time it deserves – and is bound for Broadway! 

Inspired by the 2015 British documentary film telling the tale of Nick Yarris, an American man who spent 22 years on death row for a kidnapping, rape, and murder he didn’t commit before finally being acquitted due to DNA evidence, The Fear Of 13 had new life blown into it by playwright Lindsey Ferrentino, starring award-winning American actors Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson – a Broadway debut extraordinaire! 

Expect it all: from devastating, dark humour to gut-punches that you won’t easily forget; from being on the edge of your seat to being pulled right into the prison with Nick, becoming emotionally involved without thinking twice – and the outcome promises to be one of the best theatrical experiences that you’ll ever have. That’s right – The Fear Of 13 is coming to the James Earl Jones Theatre this season! 

The Fear of 13 Tickets

Tickets are available now directly from the venue’s box office, and due to the exceptionally high demand, are bound to sell out fast! You have two options – either you head to the box office as soon as you can, or you could simply click on the ‘Buy Tickets’ link to be redirected to the world’s most reliable online marketplace TicketSqueeze.com now, and complete your purchase within minutes, all from the comfort of wherever you are! 

“Nick Yarris finally gets to have his say, and boy, what a say it is.” – Theatre Weekly

SYNOPSIS

The Fear Of 13 explores the true story of Nick Yarris, a young man who is wrongfully imprisoned in 1981 during a routine roadblock for kidnapping, rape, and murder. Even though Nick’s past is riddled with petty crimes, he is sentenced to death for a crime he didn’t commit and spends 22 years on death row. When he meets a prison volunteer and their relationship evolves into something more, he fights – with her support and with a new-found strength – to prove his innocence in a world where dark fates lurk around every corner. Eventually, Nick Yarris becomes the very first inmate on death row to be exonerated due to DNA evidence. However, his life, and that of Jacki, remains forever changed. 

The Fear Of 13 is a poignant, powerful production that draws the audience right into the harsh realities of life on death row, placing them right in the centre of the struggles of a wrongfully convicted inmate faced with the ultimate punishment – death. It is raw, impassioned, and a tour de force that explores truth, justice, and everything that lies in between. 

“Adrien Brody gives a soulful, awe-inspiring performance in a real-life tale of injustice.” – London Theatre

CREATIVE TEAM

Following the release of the 2015 British documentary film The Fear Of 13 telling the true story of Nick Yarris, esteemed playwright Lindsey Ferrentino (Ugly Lies The Bone, Amy and the Orphans, This Flat Earth, The Year to Come, The Artist) reshaped the tale of injustice into a magnificent play, set to make its Broadway debut this season. 

The creative team is headed up by world-renowned and award-winning director David Cromer (The Adding Machine, The Band’s Visit, Angels In America, A Streetcar Named Desire, Rent, Our Town, Dead Outlaw), and featuring the talents of scenic designer Arnulfo Maldonado, costume designer Sarah Laux, lighting designer Heather Gilbert, sound designer Lee Kinney, and music supervisor and arranger Bryan Carter. 

“It has all the ingredients for a soul-nourishing ode to freedom.” – BroadwayWorld

CAST

The Fear Of 13 is riddled with long-anticipated Broadway debuts. Finally, after four decades of performances in award-winning films and receiving two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Laurence Olivier Award nomination, among others , the prolific Adrien Brody (The Thin Red Line, The Pianist, The Brutalist, Detachment, Blonde, The Jacket) has turned to theatre, and will be taking on the role of Nick. Even though award-winning actress Tessa Thompson (The Tempest, Dear White People, Selma, Thor: Ragnarok, Annihilation) has some theatre experience, her role as Jacki in The Fear Of 13 will also be her Broadway debut. Her accolades include a Critics Choice Award, and various award nominations. 

The cast of The Fear Of 13 also includes Ephraim Sykes, Michael Cavinder, Eddie Cooper, Victor Cruz, Eboni Flowers, Joel Marsh Garland, Jared Wayne Gladly, Joe Joseph, Jeb Kreager, and Ben Thompson.  

“Adrien Brody’s wrenching portrait of death row injustice is unmissable.” – The Telegraph

HISTORY & LEGACY

The Fear Of 13 had its stage debut in late 2024 at the Donmar Warehouse in London. The sold-out run was met with massive critical acclaim, and received a nomination for a Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play. 

The Fear Of 13 will have its Broadway debut in spring 2026 at the James Earl Jones Theatre for a limited engagement, and is expected to blow audiences and critics away, securing its spot among the best on Broadway.  

“It is, above all, a cracking piece of storytelling.” – TimeOut

THE JAMES EARL JONES THEATRE

The iconic James Earl Jones Theatre, named after the legendary EGOT-winning Star Wars actor, is a legend both in name and the physical. Situated at 138 West 48th Street, in the Theatre District of Midtown Manhattan in New York City, the James Earl Jones Theatre, as designed by Thomas W. Lamb and with additional designs by Kostow Greenwood Architects, boasts a stunning neoclassical design and glass-and-metal marquee, a gorgeous lobby with marble paneling and coved ceiling, and a breathtaking art-glass proscenium arch with illuminating capabilities. 

The James Earl Jones Theatre boasts luxurious seating for up to 1,092 patrons across an orchestra floor, mezzanine, and balcony, along with various box seat options. Every experience at the James Earl Jones Theatre is a memorable one, enhanced by the venue’s superb lighting and sound systems, fantastic sight-lines, pin-drop acoustics, and modern amenities. 

“Adrien Brody is mesmerically good – it’s a privilege to watch him.” – The iPaper