"Watching this production’s overtaxed ensemble perform vignettes from different musicals...is like hearing a rushed raconteur drop name after famous name, without bothering to explain their significance...They’re a likable group, and I don’t fault them for the impression I often had that I was at a dinner theater...I recalled how often in my years of theatergoing performances in Prince’s shows have evoked similar shivers. If only such reminders came more frequently in this motley production."
Read more

"There’s little insight into Prince’s craft or his vision...The songs wind up in an awkward space: divorced from the dramatic context that gave many of them their power, yet too tethered to their first incarnations to enjoy the interpretive mobility they might have in a straightforward concert...'Prince of Broadway' does provide a fine showcase for several of the artists...It’s a pleasant collection of beloved and familiar Broadway songs, but there isn’t much to it."
Read more

"Though the music soars, the show’s central figure remains a bit generic, a bit out of focus...The company truly comes alive when they are freed from the task of walking us through Prince’s polished-up biography and allowed to do what they do best: break into song. The beauty lies in this tour through an astonishing array of musical gems...'Prince' is attempting something unique and admirable. but...the revue form doesn’t actually lend itself to demonstrating directorial brilliance."
Read more

"Modest though it is, 'Prince of Broadway' looks and sounds fabulous...The weak link is David Thompson’s book, in which Mr. Prince’s cliché-prone first-person reminiscences are placed in the mouths of the actors, always to unilluminating, momentum-killing effect. For the most part, though, 'Prince' adds up to a pleasingly intimate musical revue full of shining moments, albeit one that feels rather more like a pledge-week TV special than a full-fledged Broadway show."
Read more

"'Prince of Broadway' bristles with the joyful noise of familiar songs delivered by a gifted and versatile cast...But what’s the through-line connecting one Hal Prince show with another?...That’s why 'Prince of Broadway' is, despite the warm bath of the Broadway songbook, such a colossal disappointment...The show fails to make the case for one of the greatest showmen of our time."
Read more

"You couldn’t wish for a more ideal place than Broadway to honor Prince. But you could wish for a better, more illuminating show in which to do it...One can’t help but be impressed by the scope and breadth—but at the same time feel left in the dark about Prince’s precise contributions...It’s not a deep dive into the mind of a master—more like Shallow Hal. If you’re okay with that and want to luxuriate in moments from some wonderful shows, you’ll be entertained by the cast."
Read more

"The best 16 shows on Broadway are all playing in 'Prince of Broadway,' a sumptuous revue...Watching the hits flash by, like diamonds on a necklace, is sure to make you cry–with tears of joy if you saw that particular show, and tears of regret if you missed it...The talent that went into this show is out of this world...Unbeatable as an ensemble, cast members also get their individual moments to soar...You may wish 'Prince of Broadway' were twice as long, but you won’t go away hungry."
Read more

"Sample-size nuggets that touch on the magic while leaving you craving more...This recap of an illustrious career leaves no doubt about the validity of Prince's exalted status, even if it’s thin on illuminating detail...What buoys 'Prince' is the polished presentation and elaborate design elements. But even more so it's the depth of characterization achieved...There's generally enough vitality in the staging and performances to help overcome the shortage of personal insights."
Read more