Farinelli and the King

See it if you enjoy a simple entertaining plot and a no-fuss story, staging is wonderful and Mark Rylance is wonderful

Don't see it if you prefer a more complex plot and substance heavy narrative

See it if to see Mark Rylance in another great performance-an Interesting period piece, beautiful set- based on unknown history..

Don't see it if You get bored easily.

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.

See it if you want to see marvelous actors strutting their stuff. This was THEATER. One of the best plays I have seen. The singing is glorious.

Don't see it if you do not like opera. Don't see it if you do not have the patience to get into a play.

Also This play takes time to evolve, but then it is worth your time. The first ten minutes made me feel that I might leave at intermission. When the show was over, I left mesmerized. The story is based on history, and the play makes you feel like you are back in the 18th century sitting at The Globe Theater watching star performances. I would not advise sitting on the stage, as the actors backs are to that audience most of the time. I sat in the third row center and saw everything well. But the lighting is dim. I spoke to a woman who sat in the mezzanine, and she said she had trouble hearing and seeing. I admit this play is not for everyone. But if you enjoy opera and history and want to see the best performances of the season, go!... Read more Read less

See it if you love the sound of countertenors - or you love Mark Rylance. It's an odd play in a way but it a very enjoyable theatrical experience.

Don't see it if you're expecting a lot of plot.

See it if You are comfortable trying to hear every word

Don't see it if you want to easily enjoy the whole experience.

See it if You relish a meaty role played by one of the finest actors of our time and enjoy an outstanding set that transports you to a different time.

Don't see it if You're not into period pieces, expect a play to hold itself together beyond the first act or hate baroque vocal music.

See it if you enjoy good singing and acting as well as historically a true story.

Don't see it if you are in the mood for a drama rather than a musical.

See it if If your not already bored with Mark Rylance giving the same performance he always gives with no inner life. Same old gimmicks and tricks.

Don't see it if Warn to care about any of the characters.

See it if you love mark ryland - who is fabulous - and you enjoy historical context, this is interesting and touching story.

Don't see it if you dont want to work hard to hear and absorb. this show takes effort from the audience.

See it if you like period dramas, you like Mark Rylance, you like interesting staged plays, you have an interest in castrati music

Don't see it if you don't like historic plays, you want something contemporary

Also This Old Globe production portrays the play as it would be in the time period. The use of doubling Farinelli for actor/singer roles works well. The singer had wonderful tone in rarely heard songs from the period. The story of how the mad king was soothed by the music of the castrati's voice shows the power of music to aid the human condition. Mark Rylance is wonderful as King Phillipe. The lighting was outstanding using mostly candlelight for about 80% of the lighting effect. Limited run - SEE IT!... Read more Read less

See it if You are a fan of Mark Rylance. He is mesmerizing as the King. Get a seat on stage and you are in for a magical experience!

Don't see it if You are not into constrato si going and classical music. Otherwise, it is a great evening’

See it if you want to see perhaps the greatest theater actor of his time. Rylance exquisite in a gorgeous production of a beautiful play about art.

Don't see it if you only like musicals. Otherwise, there is no reason not to see the greatest actor on the planet.

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.

Also Mark Rylance is outstanding. Really remarkable.

See it if to learn about history and be entertained.

Don't see it if you want a fantasy ending.

See it if You enjoy period pieces that make you think. A very unique take on how mental illness was treated during that time. Incredible acting!

Don't see it if You absolutely hate period pieces, anything to do with opera.

See it if You want to hear wonderful singing and learn about a little known king.

Don't see it if You are not interested in historical trivia.

See it if You want to see Mark Rylance do his thing. Beautiful 18th century music and period design. Moments are transporting.

Don't see it if While the production allows the actors to realize fully their world, the script is a bit thin.

See it if You like consummate acting and staging in a real theater tour de force

Don't see it if You like light-hearted musicals with fluffy plots.

Also Mark Rylance and his excellent cast really scores again with this exquisite production. two and a half hours have very rarely passed so quickly.... Read more Read less

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.

See it if You are ready to see and hear something you haven't seen or heard before

Don't see it if You don't like countertenor singing, or plots with limited action

See it if you own a flashy period costume worthy of an 18th century Spanish court and you can get tickets that will put you onstage with the cast.

Don't see it if you detest playwrights who display more research than heart or great actors who are reduced to hamming it up for easy laughs.

See it if you really, really want to see Mark Rylance.

Don't see it if you want compelling characters or have strong feelings (either way) about opera.

Also There just wasn't anything for me to really buy into here as an audience member. Mark Rylance is wonderful as usual, but it's not enough to make up for the lack of substance in the script.... Read more Read less

See it if an Quirky musicals . Unique histofrical Incident recreated on stge. Want a good laugh but not fluff

Don't see it if Not interested in historical fiction .

Also Grab a seat on the stage for an interesting experience

See it if MARK RYLANCE, SOME GUY SINGING!!!

Don't see it if you no like pretty singing