Socrates NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (90)
See it if you know the story of Socrates and want to hear a vibrant retelling. See it if you do not know the story and want to.
Don't see it if you are bored by philosophers and have no interest in learning more about Athens, the bed of democracy, and Socrates and Plato. Read more
See it if You want to combine theater and Intro to Philosophy in a way that is more engaging than college ever was
Don't see it if You need action without being expected to listen carefully and think...but still be entertained
See it if you have admired Socrates & wanted to know more about him. Portrayed by the incomparable Michael Stuhlbarg this is an evening well-spent
Don't see it if You have no interest in philosophy
See it if you like history and philosophy with relevance to our current world and political situation.
Don't see it if you do not like provocative theatre that makes you think or prefer light-hearted comedy.
See it if you like intelligent theater that uses history to make its statement
Don't see it if you are not ready to listen carefully or don't enjoy historical themes
See it if You're fascinated by a lot of philosophical debate and appreciate intelligence and great acting.
Don't see it if the thought of seeing a play about an ancient Greek philosopher bores you Read more
See it if you're up for intelligent presentation of Socrates and his followers
Don't see it if looking for light entertainment
See it if you are a philosopher at heart; enjoy verbose, intellectual discourse; Stuhlbarg is absolutely brilliant with a terrific ensemble cast.
Don't see it if First act badly in need of editing; opening scene feels endless; 2nd act is shorter, less wordy, more active & more interesting. Read more
Critic Reviews (22)
“The play’s strongest suit is Stuhlbarg...Hughes skillfully manages the large ensemble. While several scenes are quite effective, others are repetitious and run on too long...The second act was tighter. The occasional attempts to show the play’s relevance to our current situation seemed a bit clumsy. I was grateful for the opportunity to see a play with a serious theme starring a marvelous actor, but I thought it offered too much of a good thing."
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“The conversation is intense but never boring in Nelson’s drama, which is getting a splendid staging under the direction of Hughes...Stuhlbarg’s portrayal of the ancient philosopher is a highlight of the season as he makes the influential figure of ancient Greece come vividly alive...What Nelson achieves in his play is a depiction of both the personality and the wit of Socrates...Powerful theater."
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"Running at a solid three hours, 'Socrates' intoxicates with the sheer volume of its intellectual richness and robust debates. I would even argue that Mr. Nelson’s ambitious play, like a decadent steak dinner, is too rich to fully digest and appreciate in one sitting...Hughes' staging is clean and muscular, making for scenes that are beautifully and passionately played...In the title role, Michael Stuhlbarg is titanic...The rest of the cast is never less than solid."
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“Nelson's brilliant & provocative play...The intoxicating historic biopic...stars the unconquerable Stuhlbarg...This intense & well acted performance is saturated in sagacious pretext...Nonetheless, Nelson has created a credible and deeply moving portrait of one of the most widely known & enduring figures of western philosophy...This impressive & explosive production is a master class of discerning how to think...A must-see powerhouse production.”
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“Stuhlbarg as ‘Socrates’ is everything you could ever want from a physical manifestation of the legendary philosopher...The play is too long. At times it reads as an overly in depth character study; at others, it will remind you of a Philosophy 101 class...And its largest shortcoming is the absence of women in the play...Nonetheless...Nelson has done justice...lovingly breathing life into the man and his philosophical methods in a story that feels like both a history lesson and a warning.”
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“’Socrates’, the show is deep, very deep...Fortunately, the close to three hours goes by quickly with superb acting and excellent directing...While all the cast were great, Stuhlbarg and Bougere were standouts...The two commanded the stage. With both humor and style, they were the central focus...With a multitude of actors and the different roles they played, Hughes gave us clear insight to each and every role. Never once was the audience confused, which is not easy."
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