Bernhardt/Hamlet (Broadway)

See it if You have an interest in the creative process of a show albeit early 20th cent & Sarah Bernhardt. See it for master actors!

Don't see it if If you are bored with Shakespeare, backstage issues or Sarah Bernhardt.

See it if You have a passion for the theater; enjoy wit and wordplay; want to see one of the great performances of the last five seasons.

Don't see it if You prefer contemporary plays or theater you can back at and just let it wash over you.

Also I ca’t think of a more different task than to bring to life a character who everyone insists of describing as the greatest actress of her age. But McTeer does that in spades, giving a dazzling comic performance of immense variety. The rest of the cast rises to her level, as does the design team. In previews the play needs a bit of trimming, but this is a minor problem. Hopefully all will be remembered when Tony season roles around.... Read more Read less

See it if If you want to see an intelligent, multilayered, play with great writing and a stunning performance by the lead actor.

Don't see it if No reason not to see it.

See it if you want to see Janet McTeer sparkle as Sarah Bernhardt, a brilliant and ambitious late 19th century actress. Fine cast, wonderful sets.

Don't see it if You don't know or care about Hamlet, French playwright Edmond Rostand, theatrical history or arts, or prefer not to think at the theater.

Also I saw this on the 4th night of previews and there were still a very few minor kinks here and there, hardly perceptible to the average theater-goer. But the acting was extraordinary, the depth engrossing, the jokes quick-witted, and I suspect this show will quickly ripen into Tony material. This straight drama speaks on so many levels--- historical, artistic, feminist, and poetic, sexual---that it could be, when perfected, breathtaking, at least for true drama-lovers.... Read more Read less

See it if Brilliantly written. Janet McTeer is a force of nature as Sara Bernhard. The cast is amazing.

Don't see it if Shakespeare purists might take offense to the idea of a woman playing Hamlet, even (especially?) if was the most famous actress of her day.

See it if You like intelligent, literate plays that are thought-provoking yet funny, and examine important issues but don't beat you over the head

Don't see it if You're in the mood for fluffy entertainment, you hate Shakespeare

See it if you like witty and relevant time period comedies about the sexes and feminism. Janet McTeer is fantastic per usual; fantastic cast overall

Don't see it if you don't like or care about Sarah Bernhardt, plays that have self-aware jokes about the theatre or need a lot of action to keep you engaged

See it if Wonderful acting; thoughtful but very, very funny

Don't see it if you dislike powerful women

See it if you worship @ the McTeer altar & want to learn a bit about Bernhardt. A LOT goes on, VERY fast-talking, getting it all in @ almost 2&1/2hrs.

Don't see it if you're not into backstage behind-the-scenes ins & outs or Shakespeare on any level. Beautiful richly stylized dialogue, albeit long-winded.

Also Les Miz freaking turn-table alert...

though nice staging, especially when the "outside" scenes change. But DAMN. Bury that damn turn-table already.

There's a lot going on in the play. Numerous stories are tackled, all around Bernhardt wanting to do a female Hamlet, & her wanting it rewritten by her married lover. It does get slightly tedious when she goes into her she's-in she's-out, she believes in herself she doesn't believe in herself ramblings. So be it. Such is life, of course.

The show is very fast-talking; thus, unfortunately you miss some lines. Still, Janet McTeer is masterful as "Sarah", deserving of at least a Tony nomination. Supporting cast is strong as well, especially Dylan Baker as "Sarah's" long-time stalwart co-star "Coquelin", & Jason Harner as her married lover "Rostand" (who wrote 'Cyrano de Bergerac' for "Sarah").

Must-see. Pay attention, there's A TON to take in.... Read more Read less

See it if you agree Janet McTeer is the British Meryl Streep. Flawless. Terrific Theresa Rebeck look inside the backstage life of the Divine Sarah.

Don't see it if if British accents, Diva worship, and the cult of theatre are not your church of worship, this is probably not for you.

Also After seeing some super dumbed down shows last season, THIS was SO refreshing! It helps to know something about Sarah Bernhardt. Great sets, strong ensemble, and Janet in command. Loved it, loved it, loved it.... Read more Read less

See it if You love Shakespeare, highly charismatic actors, and contemplating what makes Shakespeare the great playwright that he is.

Don't see it if You want something flashy with music/singing/dancing and don't know anything about Shakespeare.

See it if You don't want to miss another legendary performance by Janet McTeer. Her work here rivals what she did in "A Doll's House". Yes, that good.

Don't see it if You have no interest in theatrical history, Shakespeare, gender dynamics, beautiful sets or a powerful new play.

Also What a major surprise this play turned out to be. I've typically enjoyed Theresa Rebeck's work (especially "Mauritius" and "Seminar"), but she's more ambitious here, and with great results. It was thrilling to be seeing a spanking brand new play on the Roundabout Broadway stage, especially one of this quality, all brilliantly directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel. Such wit, such intelligence, such glorious acting. I wanted more from the mother-son relationship between Bernhardt and Maurice, and their scenes, but that's a minor fault in a major new work. A special shout out to Ito Aghayere, who as Rosamond has a single scene to make her mark, and does so with mighty aplomb.... Read more Read less

See it if like Janet McTeer, Theresa Rebeck, Hamlet, period pieces, Sarah Bernhardt, Roundabout, what if, examination of artistic temperament

Don't see it if don't like what if, Janet McTeer, plays that use Shakespeare as their basis, belle epoque, the tall, listening carefully, laughter, joy

See it if you enjoy smart plays about eccentric people, you want to see something engaging and witty and pointed.

Don't see it if If a more heightened period language is not your thing, if you don't want to see a strong female protagonist.

Also I absolutely loved this show. I was on my feet as soon as the cast came out for their curtain call. The show is witty, strong, engaging, thought provoking, and exceptionally well written and performed. Janet McTeer is brilliant as the eccentric and flawed Sarah B. The designs are perfection, the set totally gorgeous. I spent the entire intermission researching Sarah B's later years on my phone as there were things in the show that I did not know about her. Truly a masterful show.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see an unbelievable performance from Janet McTeer. She's so captivating and compelling. Beautiful sets!

Don't see it if you don't like plays that touch on history. You want a more contemporary show.

See it if you like theater. If you love to learn a little history. If you enjoy the contemplation of an actor when preparing a role.

Don't see it if you don't like fast heightened language. If you don't know anything at all about Shakespeare and about Sarah Bernhardt. I

Also I'd say this one is defiantly more enjoyable if you are familiar with the material. The Bernhardt-Duse rivalry and the way theater used to be in the 19th century. I usually don't like Rebeck's work but this time she did fairly good job. Lots of humor and some clever insights about theater and art in general. If you're a heavy thespian - go see it!... Read more Read less

See it if you like funny, fun shows that pose intelligent questions about theater.

Don't see it if you take Shakespeare too seriously.

See it if Well acted, well produced and very well written historical fiction. Staging kept the story line moving. Janet McTeer was outstanding

Don't see it if you don’t like historical fiction.

See it if You enjoy laughing, Shakespeare, good acting (esp McTeer) and a clever story.

Don't see it if You can't sit through a 2-hour play, have a hard time understanding British accents, and hate Shakespeare.

See it if Command performance by McTeer as the domineering Bernhardt. Great supporting cast. Tasty Rebeck plot unfolds on Boritt's astounding set.

Don't see it if There is some Shakespeare text, but most of the play is about Bernhardt and the French theater. Dylan Baker is wonderful.

Also Jason Butler Harner and Paxton Whtehead are terrific. I love Nick Westrate who plays Bernhardt's cocky son Maurice, who is a kind of Hamlet himself.... Read more Read less

See it if you love anything Hamlet or the Bard related. You enjoy watching plays about theater and acting. You enjoy straight plays.

Don't see it if You do not enjoy Shakespeare-related storytelling. If you prefer musicals.

See it if You want to see an actor at the pinnacle of her craft. McTeer was marvelous! You want to see an artistic interpretation of Bernhardt.

Don't see it if You want a 'light' night at the theater - this isn't it. You have no knowledge of Hamlet - you HAVE to know your Hamlet to appreciate this.

Also The evening is worth every minute to see McTeer act [and she is made for the role]... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a slice of old history well acted

Don't see it if the sound being off at times will bother you, still I'd go

See it if You enjoy historical fare, based on a famous woman, who defied the conventions of her era. You enjoy sharp writing, said by a smart woman.

Don't see it if You dislike plays set in the past, with Shakespearean refs. You don't appreciate shows that champion very strong women. You want fluff.

Also Though I'm a long-time, avid feminist, I found the audience clapping at certain pro-female dialogue annoying.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a great actress play a legendary actress tackling a great role , while balancing her love life and career

Don't see it if You have no interest in the history and dramaturgy of the theater . ..or want a light comedy