Measure for Measure (Mobile Unit) NYC Reviews and Tickets

76%

(12 Reviews)

Positive

83%

Mixed

17%

Negative

Members say

Relevant, Great acting, Great staging, Entertaining, Thought-provoking

About the Show

Public Theater's Mobile Unit resets Shakespeare's dark comedy in the vibrant streets of New Orleans. Tickets are distributed 90 minutes before each performance at The Public and by digital lottery on TodayTix.

From the show:

It’s 1979, Mardi Gras has been officially cancelled, yet the community is still celebrating. Temporarily left in charge by the Duke, the upright and uptight Lord Angelo has decided to crack down on the city’s debauchery, arresting young Claudio for impregnating his fiancée Juliet before their wedding. When virtuous Isabella, Claudio’s sister, hears of his death sentence, she begs Lord Angelo for mercy. But hypocritical Angelo propositions her instead, leaving Isabella with an impossible choice: save her soul or her brother’s life.

In this timely production, lovers and leaders in disguise reveal how those in power take advantage of those without it – asking the question, can the law be both just and merciful?

Member Reviews (12)

Clever, Great writing, Relevant, Thought-provoking, Absorbing

See it if you're open to non-tradl WS. MFM's set in NOLA w all-WOC cast. Most do justice to the text, making sense of the prob play (except for end).

Don't see it if you want high prodn values. Barebones. But gr music/lots of energy. Duke is a standout! Resonates in MeToo era. Unclear resoln for Isabel.

Clear, Fun, Educational, Presentational, Swift

See it if you’d like a fast, clear, fun lesson in the abuse of power, courtesy of 1 of the Bard’s notorious problem plays.

Don't see it if you want your Shakespeare straight: This production has a lot fun & presents a clear lesson, sacrificing a bit of depth in the process. Read more

Dizzying, Great acting, Great staging, Great singing, Entertaining

See it if You would be sad to miss on of the Mobile Unit's amazing productions. Always well designed and fun. These performers were incredible.

Don't see it if You want a good story. Measure for Measure is one of Shakespeare's worst stories, and it doesn't hold up. The ending feels like a cop out.

Quirky, Relevant, Great staging, Entertaining

See it if interested in an all WOC cast in one of Shakespeare's "problem plays" emphasizing the bawdy, fun aspects on Fat Tuesday in 1979 New Orleans

Don't see it if you don't like your Shakespeare tampered with. Pre-show intro while often fun went on too long. Read more

Quirky, Fast, Resonant, Great writing, Delightful

See it if a streamlined, raucous, rollicking version of one of Shakespeare's problem plays with an all female cast.

Don't see it if You don't like cross-casting or streamlined Shakespeare productions. You don't want to engage with your fellow audience.

Thought-provoking, Relevant, Great acting, Confusing, Creative

See it if you enjoy modern interpretations of Shakespeare. Good job of making problematic play relevant for today. Injects humor into the story.

Don't see it if you're a Shakespeare purist. If you want elaborate sets and costumes--this is bare bones. Can be a bit hard to follow the plot/characters. Read more

Fun ( but not a comedy), Convoluted, Engaging, Entertaining

See it if you're a fan of the Public Theater's great mission of free Shakespeare for ALL the people; enjoy Mobile Unit's unique take on Willie S.

Don't see it if you're looking for straight & serious Shakespeare with noble accents (this one includes everything from cowboy twang to uptown slang) Read more

Great writing, Great acting, Funny, Entertaining, Ambitious

See it if '9' women take the stage en masse to re-set the play in a Nawlins Mardi Gras, but then fan out into their respective characters. Great sax 2

Don't see it if Don't bother if U R a strict Shakespearean scholar & don't like crossgender casting. Or if U don't like a little actor improv mixed in.

Critic Reviews (4)

"No One Is Innocent on Mardi Gras: Morals are especially relative in a new production of Shakespeare’s play, set in New Orleans amid the anarchy of Fat Tuesday, 1979."
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"1979's Rebellious Mardi Gras Inspires Mobile Unit's 'MEASURE FOR MEASURE'"
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"As performed by a cast made up entirely of women of color, it would seem to be the last word in trendy concepts; instead, I think, it gets closer to the play's diamond-hard core than possibly any other I have seen."
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Score: 98% "This all-female cast is not backing down. They are out to entertain and roar! Hear them roar! And they are having as much fun as we are! This cast is a powerhouse of women."
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