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)

Clever, Great acting, Great singing, Fabulous costumes, Quite theatrical

See it if you want to see phenomenal acting, especially if you enjoy historical, costume drama.

Don't see it if you'd rather be at a modern day musical or sit-com.

Exquisite, Great acting, Masterful, Entertaining, Absorbing

See it if You like period pieces. Enjoy historical drama interspersed with enchanting music. If you are a fan of Mark Rylance.

Don't see it if If you dislike opera and historical drama.

Great singing, Great acting, Entertaining, Absorbing, Disappointing writing

See it if Mark Rylance - wonderful performance as usual; great operatic singing; beautiful period costumes; interesting story-healing effects of music

Don't see it if 2 Farinellis when there is singing; disappointing writing especially Act 2 which is darker and slower; some crude jokes throughout Read more

Absorbing, Clever, Entertaining, Great acting, Great singing

See it if you want to see the perfect blend of theater and opera. Mark Rylance is at his best.

Don't see it if you do not like operatic music.

Absorbing, Ambitious, Great acting, Great singing, Great staging

See it if you enjoy an unusual plot with great acting, staging and singing. It's based on a true story with some poetic license taken.

Don't see it if you do not like baroque music or countertenors. There is a small baroque orchestra on top of the set and wonderful singing by a countertenor Read more

Entertaining, Clever, Quirky, Great staging

See it if you are interested in plays about historical events and the foibles of kings.

Don't see it if is you do not care about classical singing or about history.

Great acting, Great singing, Entertaining, Enchanting, Masterful

See it if You want to see a great actor in a beautiful house. Or maybe if you like great singing.

Don't see it if You want something involved that uses Mark Rylance's talents more deeply: he's great here, but there is only so much to be done.

Great acting, Slow 2nd act

See it if you want to see a tour de force performance by Mark Rylance. Go see if for him! Great 1st act. If the second act had matched, it'd be a 93.

Don't see it if -You don't like anachronistic language for period piece. - Aren't patient. 2nd act drags. - Don't like classical singing.

Critic Reviews (56)

Trailer

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