Othello: The Remix NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (92)
See it if Rap has never been put to such great use! Clever rhymes, powerful beats, great comedy, fun choreography, dramatic staging. Pure fun!
Don't see it if You have never been able to catch the lyrics in swiftly-delivered rap - this show is fast-paced and it's on you to "keep up"! Read more
See it if You like po-mo mashups that work...and cheering on fabulously talented unknowns bringing Shakespeare raw and upclose
Don't see it if you're really wanting to see a 3.5 hr dissection of human nature (that's the other Othello that's running--see my review on that one too)
See it if you want to see Shakespeare in a way that you would never expect. Original, funny and moving. Definitely a great intro for kids.
Don't see it if you absolutely hate hip hop and are a Shakespeare purist.
See it if You're prepared to see Shakespeare in a different light, including hip-hop, quick costume changes, parody and wonderful performances.
Don't see it if you're a stickler for tradition.
See it if A show done in a way never done before by a talented, versatile cast who rap, sing and dance. Awesome retelling of a classic.
Don't see it if You detest any type of rap, or will only see Othello as presented by countless others.
See it if A very humorous take on Othello using hip-hop and rap telling the story. Pure fun! Special shout-out to JQ, this guy is funny!!!!!!!!!
Don't see it if If you dislike hip-hop or rap.
See it if I didn't think that I like rap, but this show opened my eyes to the passion in rap. The rhyming was really good.
Don't see it if You have a hard time understanding rap.
See it if These guys can rock! Excellent spirit of the play-& funny. Quick paced rapping keeps it moving. Story is fly rapper-not moor-but holds well~
Don't see it if If ur looking for a faithful-to-the-story upon which it's based, rap version, ull be disappointed. Obviously if raps not your thing, avoid~
Critic Reviews (24)
"The Q Brothers have effectively and entertainingly transposed 'Othello's' story into modern rhyme…They've remained true to the narrative even though it all plays out in a fast-paced 80 minutes…The remix also means that plenty of comedy has been mixed into the storytelling...Gets most of its laughs from the split-second timing with which the cast switches roles...The title role is portrayed with verve and genuine emotional depth by Postell Pringle."
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“Written, composed and directed by GQ and JQ, ‘Othello: The Remix’ is a funny, quick-paced modern retelling of the tragedy set in the world of rap stars, recording studios and the party scene. The rhymes come swiftly, showing off the intelligence of the two writers. They are able to both make fun of ‘Othello’ and the business they're in while still loving both to death. They take witty pot shots at other pop stars and the machinations of Shakespeare's convoluted plotline are all quite clever.”
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"‘Othello: The Remix’ does indeed cleverly play with language in a way that would make Shakespeare smile. However, underneath the broad comedy and visual gags, the show lacks a certain depth. Taken as a light-hearted romp, it is entertaining and engaging. However, don’t expect it to leave you with a fresh perspective…All the characters save Othello, Iago, and Cassio are essentially one-dimensional punch-lines; they draw laughs, but lose the human complexity."
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"The rhythm hits hard and is brilliant in its presentation…They’re par excellence as rappers, movers and shakers as the pacing moves quickly via the brilliance of GQ and JQ, who composed and direct this hot little production…During this uniquely clever and modern adaptation, they find time to engage the audience in their antics...This is a Shakespeare lesson for all ages. The energy level is high and higher and you’ll laugh your way through this brand-new interpretation of the Bard."
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"'The Remix' certainly works as a fast-paced rap concert, with dramatic lighting and a fine DJ spinning while four delightful performers spit out witty couplets and execute synchronized choreography...It is the Q Brothers' first foray into Shakespearean tragedy. And therein lies the rub...The weirdest choice is to cast Desdemona as a disembodied voice...It’s choices like this that rob us of the full force of Othello’s wrongful actions, and the full horror in his realization of what he’s done."
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"The four men barely take a breather while moving about and gesticulating in the now time-honored rapper manner, but something does nag about the modernizing. There’s the distinct feeling that those involved want current audiences to appreciate Shakespeare but are concerned that his language has grown to be off-putting. It hasn’t, and at no point does the replacement verse reach the supernal level of the real thing."
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"The tragedy of 'Othello' is told by a quintet of rap artists creating eight roles by using irresistible beats, fast-paced prose, and wildly inventive language blending rhyming couplets into humor-driven, tragic, touching and gripping theater for today’s younger generation. This is Shakespeare for the streets…The cast is jammin' and off the chain, the directors and writers GQ and JQ know their crib and inhabit it body, mind and soul."
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"Introduces a new sound to a story of betrayal, greed, and revenge...The piece kept a high-octane, dizzying pace. The rhymes were fast. The music was pulsating. It was a concise reimagining of 'Othello' that is nicely structured. The company has a strong comedic approach...It could have gone further and been even tighter...Nevertheless, consistency was prevalent...If you can't get a ticket to 'Hamilton,' 'Othello: the Remix' is the next best option."
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