Coriolanus NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (131)
See it if You enjoy creative staging and a fresh take on a challenging play
Don't see it if You are a Shakespeare purist and are expecting a traditional setting and staging. Read more
See it if You like classic Shakespeare in a modern setting with a dash of humor. ThIs play is a tragedy, but it was pretty funny.
Don't see it if You have a short attention span.
See it if you want to see a brilliant correlation of corrupt politicians, agitated crowds, etc. - as told by Shakespeare yet eerily contemporary.
Don't see it if if you are looking for a traditional Shakespeare play and costumes without a modern spin. Read more
See it if You like stunningly good acting, classical texts, or immediate, resonant themes. Excellent production with a powerhouse cast. Spectacular.
Don't see it if You don't enjoy Shakespeare. But even if you don't, you should see it anyway. If anything, it will make a Shakespeare lover out of you.
See it if you want clearly spoken & understood Shakespeare delivered by superior company with grim takeaway of the state of the human beast & politics
Don't see it if you can't rise 2 challenge of listening 2 well spoken heightened language with depressing takeaway 'you can't please anyone any of the time'
See it if you want to see great actors perform this classic in a unique and intimate space.
Don't see it if you like good direction and expect to have those intimate moments that pull you in and sweep you along into the world of Coriolanus.
See it if you want to see a lean, accessible, powerful, adroitly acted production of a rarely seen tragedy; to witness WS's universality & relevance.
Don't see it if you haven't enjoyed Red Bull Theater's take on classics in the past. Perhaps this isn't for Shakespeare purists & traditionalists.
See it if You are a Shakespeare fan -Patrick Page, Lisa Harrow, Steve Spinnella a rare cast -in a modern version of a story about power, hubris,family
Don't see it if You expect elaborate sets, traditional costumes, comfortable seating for hours. Cannot keep up with the bard's language. Read more
Critic Reviews (21)
"In its first half, Sexton’s production is an exciting mix of bloody combat, political drama, and wry comedy. In its second half, the uniformly excellent cast delivers a series of heartbreaking scenes...The modern trappings of 'Coriolanus' provide the audience some extra food for thought, but even in togas, its cast would be well worth seeing. Their exceptional work, driven by director Sexton’s brisk pacing and intelligent staging, is like red meat for hungry Shakespeare lovers."
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"We are gifted with three strong characters. Dion Johnstone’s Coriolanus has all the aspects of a modern soldier…He’s a subdued character, championed by an exceptionally strong mother figure in Lisa Harrow’s proud, powerful, loving Volumnia; and Patrick Page’s outstanding Menenius. Page comes off as James Carville meets Colonel Sanders, an affable older statesman who’s so charming that it’s impossible to find much fault in his Machiavellian maneuvers."
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"The production, which has been expertly executed by director Michael Sexton, features an all-star cast, telling a story that feels especially poignant within our current political climate...Johnstone portrays the role of Coriolanus with poise and grace...That being said, it is his fragility that truly elevates his performance...Harrow’s performance is equally notable. She possesses an inherent strength and stillness that is rare to find in even the most prestigious venues."
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“‘Coriolanus’ strikes brilliant sparks of contemporaneity in its depiction of an unpleasant, egotistical, angry, and prideful leader, incapable of self-understanding, and consumed by a drive for power and revenge...Michael Sexton’s direction manages the difficult feat of presenting what seems a full-text version with only a dozen actors...Dion Johnstone cuts a commandingly convincing figure as the brawny, rage-filled soldier who is nonetheless submissive to his domineering mother.”
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"Thanks to the political climate, the show takes on a profound relevance. Michael Sexton has streamlined this production so minor characters are cut; it is long but the staging is powerful and the acting sublime...Mr. Johnstone, commands the stage. He has such a powerful dignity that he makes us hurt in the end...The women are who truly succeed in this production...'Coriolanus' shows how we are being victimized into turning against each other for the sake of an election."
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"Spectacular and gripping...The obscure character of Coriolanus becomes more viscerally realized and empathetic through the expressive largesse of talent displayed by Dion Johnstone…I cannot bestow enough praise on this thrilling production whose harmonies of spectacle, action, staging, lighting, costume, and set design so form a complete whole that I cannot easily imagine another 'Coriolanus' as facilely driven, yet sparely, acutely executed…This is a true treasure of a presentation."
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"Both the adaptation and Sexton’s approach seem cavalier about details...The text has been wisely trimmed, though haphazardly...Luckily, such distractions are outnumbered by excellent performances...The opportunities to see 'Coriolanus' are so infrequent that it’s easy to recommend Red Bull’s clearly spoken, energetic production, even with its inconsequential frippery."
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"Admittedly, there is something ultimately unfulfilling about this 'Coriolanus'. It moves too quickly, its topicality is a little too easy, and it lacks a cohesive driving force. We may often smile with recognition, but we are rarely left feeling as if choices have been made for concrete reasons. Instead, I left with the nagging sense that Mr. Sexton has not really cracked this play."
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