The Tempest (Mobile Unit) NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (17)
See it if you want to see a "Tempest" that fully realizes its potential as valedictory love letter to the theater.
Don't see it if you want to keep your distance: Here a full company of actors on the move plays very close. Read more
See it if Mobile Unit does wonders with small space. Trimmed 90 minute script in traditional language. Energetic cast led by Taylor as Prospero.
Don't see it if Jasai Chase-Owens is a charismatic Ferdinand (he was Lysander in the prior Mobile Unit "Midsummer...") Sam Morales is a lovely Miranda. Read more
See it if you like Shakespeare productions done on a small improvisational scale. Which are more about the cast and the play then the set or theater
Don't see it if you are not a fan of the bard or only like his shows if they are done with a modern twist
See it if You like your Shakespeare quick and easily digestible. Brilliant acting, fun staging. The Mobile Unit doing another great show.
Don't see it if You don't like your Shakespeare cut down. You don't like Shakespeare. You don't like music or dancing. You don't like fun.
See it if you like pared-down, accessible WS. Greatly cut script has emphasis on comedy. Well-acted, imaginatively staged. Kids in audience loved it.
Don't see it if you like traditional Shakesp. Much time spent w clowns (Stefano/Trinculo). Mobile unit prodns are always good. This one is no exception.
See it if Some delightful touches. MobU always has a few tricks that make it worthwhile. You like drumbeats, actors doubling polar opposites.
Don't see it if hope it gets to the heart of things & rigorously thought it all out. Some actors/chars shortchanged—some memorable, some over-conventional. Read more
See it if you just can't get enough of this play or have never had the opportunity to see it before. There's nothing particularly new about this one.
Don't see it if you're looking for a production that provides a fresh new take or impresses with its acting. This production is just totally fine. Read more
See it if High-spirited, joyous production filled w music and dancing
Don't see it if stripped down production misses full array of the Tempest's magic; hard to hear dialog over music/sound effects
Critic Reviews (8)
“Woolery has streamlined the play to 90 minutes with no intermission and turned it into a bona fide lovefest, with songs and an emphasis on comedy and romance. You leave this storm rejuvenated rather than wet, confused, and cold...She treats the text not as a sacred manuscript but as a guidebook to humanity, full of characters with needs and desires as familiar to us as they were 400 years ago.”
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"Feisty, fast and free...This 'Tempest' accentuates the silver linings of forgiveness, freedom and love in Shakespeare’s tale...There's only so much time for soul-searching in a production that leans in to the humor of the tragicomedy...The performances are broad, the staging is energetic and there are ample opportunities to clap and sing along. Much of the poetry has been excised for the sake of expediency, but this is Shakespeare for the people, not the purists."
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"Woolery stresses in her program notes for Mobile Unit's thoroughly enrapturing new production her intention to highlight the play's moments of forgiveness...Woolery’s mounting...presents two of the piece's male characters as women and another as non-binary, creating a distinction between societies existing inside and outside patriarchal domination...At the center of the storm is the beautiful, understated, strong and compassionate performance of Myra Lucretia Taylor as Prospero.”
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"With its fast action, accent on comedy, and percussive score by Michelle J. Rodriguez, this may be a fine way to introduce young persons of your acquaintance to Shakespeare...A middling effort from the Mobil Unit, this is a 'Tempest' that scants the play's mystery and its insistence on the power of forgiveness in favor of louder-faster-funnier comedy."
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“This tale about revenge, and its possible alternatives, is the perfect show to see for Mother's Day...A compact production that gives us the fable without its embroidery...Taylor is the most even-tempered Prospero I have seen...All fun, and no fuss. Original music performed on various instruments, adds mood and atmosphere...This new gender-blind production gives the old play a new spin and fits right in with the #Metoo era."
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"Taking the journey with them is a free-falling rollercoaster ride that will leave you smiling from ear to ear and looking forward to running back to get in line and do the ride again. This is Shakespeare as he intended; bawdy, wild, fun for the masses...There are hilarious drunken scenes with Trinculo, Stephano, and Caliban. The three of them are the 3 Stooges reincarnated and spruced up to this century. My face hurt from laughing so much."
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"Prospero is brought to life with power and versatility by Myra Lucretia Taylor...There are so many characters in this play that it can feel overwhelming on the page. But the cast does a brilliant job of making each one of them memorable...The cast puts forth warm, accessible performances that you might feel are designed specifically for you, the audience. They prove themselves up to the task of curating a Shakespearean experience that will find new treasures and pull new heartstrings."
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“This particular initiative, with all of its humility, guilelessness, and simplicity while sacrificing none of the excellence, world-class talents and elements of exceptional theatre, does perhaps the truest honor to founder Joseph Papp...It’s a rare joy to encounter free theatre of such impeccable quality that is so determined to inspire...The condensed 90 minute version of the classic work is as light as a tropical breeze while losing none of the relationships, intentions or even the subtleties.”
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