Socrates

See it if You desire an evening of verbose, Socratic dialogue about the man himself, Athens, and democracy. Like logic, philosophy, and politics.

Don't see it if Need action beyond that which is rhetorical.

See it if Although the cast is terrific and the subject matter resonant, theater demands more than a static presentation of the socratic method

Don't see it if It is hard to sit through three hours of socratic questioning even though elements of it are thought-provoking and resonant to our democracy

See it if Thinly disguised commentary of democracy with Great acting and writing in shakespeare style. Lead actors are amazing. Almost 3 hours

Don't see it if if you are tired of commentary on US democracy set in Athens. 3 hours of dense dialogue in shakespeare style.

See it if told via long philosophical debates/monologues that is really about the weakness and weakening of our democracy today as it was back when

Don't see it if 3 hours of concentrating on intense important debate about our country does not interest you.

Also Socrates can be very suborn and annoying at times - but that may be the point.... Read more Read less

See it if you're fascinated by ancient philosophy and enjoy masterful performances.

Don't see it if you think you're seeing Public's modern take on Socrates through the guise of a hip new musical, as the couple behind me expected to see.

Also A lot is being made about how topical the Socrates story is in light of our current political climate. While comparisons are unavoidable, they're also not necessary. If this play had premiered 10 years ago, it's not like people wouldn't see connections to that era as well. The story is timeless, but Tim Blake Nelson's play works best as a detailed portrait of the philosopher's life and ideas. The 1st act is a bit long & scattershot. Scenes drift in & out of each other in jarring ways. The thread can be difficult. But the 2nd act, about Socrates learning & accepting his fate, is beautifully done. Michael Stuhlbarg is outstanding in the title role. The remaining cast is reliable but rarely get a chance to stand out in a sea of doubling of characters, with the exception of Teagle F. Bougere as Plato. This is a dense play not for all tastes. It can be slow going at times but I'm very glad I saw it for Stuhlbarg's performance & Nelson's exquisite writing.... Read more Read less

See it if clear parallels between the ancient & modern world, persecution of Greek philosophers, origin of democracy, drama interest you.

Don't see it if formal, presentational, men-in-togas bores you. Only (1) woman in cast. 2.45hrs w 15min intermission drives you away

Also I love Hellenism. I saw 1st preview. The set is great--let your eyes wander over the walls of the theater. Michael Stuhlbarg as Socrates is EXCELLENT. Worth going just for that. Actors who frame show (Plato & Student) did not wow me--maybe that relationship will develop chemistry over time. The # MAGA parallels /roar of the crowd were frightening & heartbreaking. "The more things change..." Some scenes played way too long (Socrates bath, death). Unfortunately, the only woman in the cast is portrayed as a shrew. I trust this show will find it's warmth & rhythm.... Read more Read less

See it if Bone dry play. Someone at the Public should have rejected this script so as to spare thousands of people hours of disappointment and boredom

Don't see it if This was the first play I’ve seen where the ensemble actors onstage looked befuddled as to how to get into the text they were performing

Also I hope the show will be trimmed since almost all the scenes were uninteresting and unnecessary so people could go home faster.... Read more Read less

See it if You want intelligent, timely, thought provoking content, with killer acting.

Don't see it if You are looking for light,carefree subject matter. Or have a problem with long, dialogue heavy material.

See it if you are interested in history or philosophy.

Don't see it if you have a short attention span. It's full of dialog so if your mind waders you will miss a lot. No bells and whistles to hold attention...

See it if It was a very absorbing exploration on Socrates, made vivid and intense by the lead actor, who was simply fantastic in the role.

Don't see it if It's a longer show that digs into questions of the human condition and society for which we are still seeking answers.

See it if You like a play that is more like a college end of term project than a well written piece of good theater. Only for Stuhlbarg fans.

Don't see it if You do not like amateurishly written, poorly performed exercises in tedium.

See it if You are fascinated by Socrates and curious about his relationship with Plato

Don't see it if You have limited patience for lots of talking and a show that although brilliantly acted could be edited down.

See it if you like well-written and acted biographical stories that have something significant to say.

Don't see it if your attention span is less than three hours.

See it if you like the subject matter.

Don't see it if if the subject matter doesn't interest you.

Also It is amazing how analogous the Athens of 2500 years ago resonates with America today. Scary.... Read more Read less

See it if THE PLAY'S DIALOGUE IS VERY DENSE SO CAREFUL ATTENTION IS REQUIRED. IT HELPS IF YOU ARE ACQUAINTED WITH SOCRATIC IDEAS/METHODS.

Don't see it if LONG MONOLOGUES BORE YOU.