The Merchant of Venice (TFANA) NYC Reviews and Tickets

See it if You like to se Shakespeare well spoken and excellently acted with a stella and diverse cast. This is a Merchant for the ages.

Don't see it if You do not like Shakespeare and have an aversion to a play which depicts some of the worst aspects of humanity. Read more

See it if you like Shakespeare, you want to think about the problems in modern society, you like seeing new twists on classic stories.

Don't see it if you use the theatre as an escape, you want a straight version of the original text with no deviations, you don't like confronting politics.

See it if you enjoy approachable, totally absorbing and modern take on a classic, with a terrific ensemble cast that make the text breathe & resonate.

Don't see it if you dislike spare productions with little to no sets, or prefer a more "classic" presentation of Shakespeare's works with no interpretation.

See it if Original text, but new interpretation; heavy hearted with no resolution. Actor playing “Shylock”dim others, and has all my empathy/sympathy

Don't see it if 3hrs with one 10min break. Comedic supporting characters are strong. Antonio/Bassanio’s secret gay romance is annoying, partly cuz … Read more

See it if you appreciate Shakespeare and are looking for a contemporary staged version.

Don't see it if you prefer Shakespeare's comedies or his plays done traditionally.

See it if You want to see new take on this terribly anti-Semitic play with diverse cast and brilliant John Douglas Thompson supported with great cast

Don't see it if You don’t like updated Shakespeare in Modern dress and color blind casting

See it if / for a great performance by John Douglas Thompson in a relatively straightforward performance of Merchant (w/exceptions noted below).

Don't see it if you would be bothered by hints that Antonio and Bassanio are gay lovers (not a new idea) or that Lorenzo is abusive to Jessica (new to me).

See it if you'd like an accessible new production with contemporary costumes and hair. It moves along well with interesting use of a nearly bare set.

Don't see it if you dislike the introduction of current items (vaping, cell phone) and only want the traditional play and setting with period costumes.