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)

Great acting, Great singing, Great staging

See it if You love Mark Rylance and who doesn't? Excellent cast. Remarkable singing. A first-rate production. Transporting. I loved it!

Don't see it if You like conventional theatre. This is and it isn't. Requires your close attention. Not light entertainment. Read more

Great singing, Ambitious, Great staging, Unique, Countertenor

See it if You're a music fan and want to see the famous countertenor Iestyn Davies, or you want to see something original, or you love Mark Rylance

Don't see it if You want a serious dramatic play. The show here is the music and the gorgeous staging, but there's enough of a story to keep you going.

Great acting, Great singing, Curious story

See it if Wonderful Mark Rylance as the (sometimes) mad King Philip. Thrilling counter-tenor singing. Based on a true story.

Don't see it if Neither conventional plot nor typical Bway music. Story a bit of a mash-up. Also squeaky floorboards. Read more

Ambitious, Clever, Great acting, Great singing, Edgy

See it if The acting was incredible, story quite interesting and setting magical. Glad I got to see it during its short stay on Broadway

Don't see it if If you don't like period pieces

For lovers of classic theatre

See it if you are a Mark Rylance fan.

Don't see it if You prefer contemporary downtown theatre to a classical style theatre. Read more

Ambitious, Entertaining, Great acting, Great singing, Profound

See it if you like a beautiful British drama/comedy

Don't see it if you don't want to laugh!

Entertaining, Great acting, Intelligent, Clever, Masterful

See it if you enjoy stories about monarchy and want to see a candlelit stage. the acting is superb and casting very clever

Don't see it if you like lofty stories

Enchanting, Great acting, Overrated, Romantic, Funny

See it if You enjoy works of historical fiction, especially those that involve classical music (eg, Amadeus). Or if you’re a Mark Rylance fan.

Don't see it if You dislike frilly British plays, or expect Mark Rylance to give a tour-de-force performance. He’s great, but he’s had better roles.

Critic Reviews (56)

Trailer

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