As You Like It (Classic Stage Company) NYC Reviews and Tickets

75%

(139 Ratings)

Positive

78%

Mixed

16%

Negative

Members say

Entertaining, Great acting, Delightful, Clever, Disappointing

About the Show

The Bay Street Theater cast reprise their roles in John Doyle's music-infused production of Shakespeare's pastoral romance at Classic Stage Company. Featuring Oscar winner Ellen Burstyn.

An exiled Duke, his banished daughter, a gentleman in love, and a melancholy traveler. Classic Stage Company artistic director John Doyle and Oscar-winning composer Stephen Schwartz bring Shakespeare’s beloved romantic comedy–with its lovers in disguise, troubadours in trouble, and some of Shakespeare’s most beloved characters–to life in this pared-down production.

Show-Score Member Reviews (139)

Enchanting, Cliched, Silly, Fluffy, Disappointing

See it if You love Shakespeare comedies and would like to see a somewhat entertaining rendition. It was light-hearted and amusing.

Don't see it if While the language was pretty, overall I found the play boring. A bunch of corny love affairs and sweet songs in the forest.

Slow, Fluffy, Disappointing

See it if you like seeing low-key Shakespeare with a bit of music.

Don't see it if don't enjoy Shakespeare or you're looking for a believable connections between the romantic characters.

Confusing, Uneven, Chopped-up

See it if you want to see John Doyle's take on the play.

Don't see it if you want to understand what's going on. Read more

Cliched, Disappointing

See it if you love Shakespeare and are curious about Schwartz's score for the show. The cast is excellent. You need to know the story going in.

Don't see it if you are expecting much music or a great cut/adaptation. The story and relationships get lost, and the set does them no favors.

Quirky, Indulgent, Disappointing

See it if you want to get your Shakespeare over fast. Ellen Burstyn embodies grace and finesse; some of the other cast members are good.

Don't see it if you want an interesting take on the play. Music is weak; the cast performs as though in a race against the clock. The sense & joy are lost.

Banal, Disappointing, Slow, Indulgent, Overrated

See it if you have no experience with Shakespeare or great drama. This is a play that can be magical but here is dull and devoid of romance and fun

Don't see it if you want your romance delivered with panache and passion. There is nothing here to raise it above the mundane and pedestrian

Ambitious, Great writing, Entertaining, Dizzying, Great singing

See it if you enjoy an updated version of Shakespeare with musical interludes and lots of shouting when they aren't mumbling with backs turned away.

Don't see it if you are not a Shakespeare fan or cannot sit for at least 100 minutes without going to the loo because you will not be given reentry.

Boring, Mediocre, Conspicuous lack of comedy, intensity, or entertainment

See it if you'll be satisfied with well-meaning but joyless recitations of Shakespeare

Don't see it if you expect a show to do more than trade on famous names (Shakespeare/Doyle/Burstyn) to earn its applause Read more

Critic Reviews (38)

Trailer

Creative team

Classic Stage Company