Farinelli and the King NYC Reviews and Tickets

82%

(540 Ratings)

Positive

89%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Great acting, Great singing, Absorbing, Great staging, Entertaining

About the Show

Oscar and three-time Tony winner Mark Rylance returns to Broadway in this new drama about Spain's King Phillippe V's bond with a legendary castrato.

'Farinelli and the King' is inspired by the fascinating true story of Philippe V (Rylance), a Spanish monarch on the brink of madness who finds unexpected solace in the voice of world-renowned castrato, Farinelli. Soon, Farinelli and the King forge a powerful connection, and the celebrated singer must make a difficult choice: return to throngs of adoring fans or perform forever for an audience of one. Like Broadway’s 'Twelfth Night' and 'Richard III,' this contemporary work is presented in the signature style of Shakespeare’s Globe – traditional baroque instruments are performed live in a gallery above the stage; the audience enjoys intimate seating with several rows onstage; and the story is told by candlelight. 'Farinelli and the King' comes to Broadway following sold-out runs at Shakespeare’s Globe and on London’s West End.

Show-Score Member Reviews (540)

Funny, Great acting, Intense

See it if you've never had the opportunity to see Mark Rylance perform. Naturally, he's fantastic.

Don't see it if historical dramas aren't your thing.

Enchanting, Great acting, Great singing, Great staging, Absorbing

See it if you like an intimate play with a gorgeous candlelit set, are a fan of Mark Rylance and enjoy opera music (there was some singing).

Don't see it if you enjoy fast-paced drama and are not into historical plays. Read more

Enchanting, Exquisite, Great singing, Great staging, Indulgent

See it if You want to be transported to the Globe theatre and be in a baroque wonderland of kings and music.

Don't see it if You would like a modern subject matter or have no interest in the historical backgound presented. Could have been a little shorter-

Great singing, Great acting, Great staging, Beautiful for the senses (less so for the mind), Mostly true

See it if you want a show for your senses (it's absolutely gorgeous!) & aren't bothered by historical inaccuracies or an underdeveloped story.

Don't see it if you need more than sumptuous visually & aurally-delectable entertainment. You want thought-provoking or intellectually challenging theater. Read more

Delightful, Masterful, Moving, Touching, Musical

See it if Rylance is as masterful as ever; ambitious staging with live counter-tenor is pure theatricality; touching and humorous amidst the pathos

Don't see it if Its Masterpiece Theatre/Indie movie story-driven structure may be boring to those looking for an entertaining diversion

Absorbing, Great acting, Intense, Thought-provoking

See it if You like Mark Rylance and are interested in historically based pieces. You like opera and allegorical sort of presentation.

Don't see it if You like contemporary settings, don’t like the audience having involvement in the show or are not willing to look beyond the surface.

Great acting, Intelligent, Delightful, Entertaining, Great singing

See it if You love Mark Rylance and period pieces. He is a wonder. Great atmospheric staging.

Don't see it if You aren’t a fan of royal history or costumed dramas.

Absorbing, Great staging, Slow, Clever, Great singing

See it if You like new plays based on history. Mark Rylance is, as always, superb, and the arias are lovely. Intimate staging features candles.

Don't see it if You like a play where a lot happens. The setup is quick and the next 2-1/2 hours flow smoothly, with few surprises, but much pleasure.

Critic Reviews (56)

Trailer

Creative team