Desperate Measures NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (1,066)
See it if you like very clever, funny musicals with insanely talented casts. It's a wild west version of Measure for Measure and I laughed constantly!
Don't see it if you don't like musicals or don't enjoy broad humor.
See it if Clever, entertaining and delightfully enjoyable production values i.e. script, casting, staging, etc.
Don't see it if you are looking for an evening of Shaw or Chekhov.
See it if Fantastic cast playing hilarious characters. Strong songs and performances. Fantastic and I highly recommend it to anyone wanting a blast.
Don't see it if Cant handle sexual or anti-religious humor. You want to be a grump. Dislike westerns.
See it if You want to spend an evening laughing away and be charmed by this modern day, Western version of Shakespeare's Measure for Measure.
Don't see it if Don't like comedies
See it if you love the story of "Measure for Measure" which is told in an amusing and clever way, with lots of good music.
Don't see it if you can't let go of the original story.
See it if you want to have a enjoyable, fun evening with great character acting and music. So much fun!
Don't see it if you want to see a serious drama or are too uptight to let yourself relax and go with the flow. This is a sit back, relax & laugh show. Read more
See it if You want to be entertained. This show was a lot of fun - a little country, a (very)little Shakespeare, a lot of laughs.
Don't see it if If you want to see something serious or deep. Read more
See it if You want to see a humorous and entertaining musical with good singing, catchy songs, and a lot of comedy in it.
Don't see it if You are offended by a little bit of non-PG rated gestures and lyrics.
Critic Reviews (49)
"The 'guts' of 'Measure for Measure' with the charm and appeal of a traditional Broadway musical. Peter Kellogg and David Friedman are to be commended for achieving this feat and bringing this clever retelling to the stage...This is a pleasant musical that celebrates the enduring themes of love, commitment, and 'being alive.' The cast is uniformly engaging – all triple threats with vocal, acting, and movement skills."
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“'Desperate Measures' is a far cry from 'Measure for Measure,' of course, Shakespeare's problem play having been transformed into a musical farce that takes the implausibilities of the original to comic extremes, including mining ironic laughter from the plot's ethical dilemmas…None of the talented singing and dancing thespians lets you down…If you're desperate for some easy-to-swallow musical theatre hard stuff I suggest galloping over to the York for a swig of 'Desperate Measures.'”
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"Whether or not familiar with the tuner’s predecessor, audiences will quickly realize they’re at a truly entertaining show brimming with a good score, with a strong six-person cast...They’ll fast take to the overall package wrapped and tied with a bow by director-choreographer Bill Castellino...The action gallops along through two acts with the actors happily mugging their way in full-throated splendor...'Desperate Measures' is too much of an enjoyable time to pick at it for minor infractions."
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"Adorable, witty, tuneful...The book and lyrics by Kellogg, done in iambic pentameter, are clever, hilarious, and unexpected. The music by Friedman is melodic and gets under your skin...Director and choreographer Bill Castellino keeps the energy flowing, the quips flying, and makes the two-hour show seem effortless...'Desperate Measures' makes us feel good to be alive. This is a must-see show for anyone who loves musicals, wants to laugh and likes well-crafted theatre."
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"If you are looking for a good time at an Off-Broadway show, I guarantee that you’ll find it in 'Desperate Measures'...All of the scheming and romantic attractions are advanced by the charming score and the excellent voices of the cast members...The musical zips along merrily with fine integration of action and song, and by the end, when all has been colorfully worked out, one can applaud gratefully for all of the fun packed into this compact all-around display of talent."
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"This rambunctious musical is a blend of dialogue in clever, conversational verse, articulate lyrics, irrepressible comedy, infectious tunes, and characters who are rarely as simple as they seem. GO...Kellogg’s libretto is accomplished...Friedman’s mixture of Broadway-like numbers and hoedowns work together seamlessly...The production is festooned with priceless comic freeze frames, captivating stage business, and general high spirits without becoming a cartoon."
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"The clever, comedic twists of the story run rampant. Indeed, this high farce, set to an illustrative musical score, both appealing and profound, delivers moment-to-moment joyous excitement...I cannot say enough about the music, as well as the lyrics and book...The show’s currency resonates timelessness...The light of truth can disperse the darkness. That it does so tunefully, memorably, and riotously in 'Desperate Measures' is very welcome for us at this time."
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"A happy surprise of a show filled with enjoyable songs, a talented cast and enough energy to let you overlook its natural desire to give everyone a turn in the spotlight...Director and choreographer Castellino does strong work...keeping the show buoyant...The cast has fun but they’re not too broad...A few bits go on too long...A solid production and a clutch of songs I’m eager to hear again. By any measure, that’s a happy ending."
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