Macbeth (New York Classical Theatre) NYC Reviews and Tickets

89%

(4 Ratings)

Positive

100%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Clever, Entertaining, Ambitious, Profound, Absorbing

About the Show

New York Classical Theatre presents a free outdoor production of Shakespeare's dark tragedy about a Scottish lord's lust for power.

Ambition goes unchecked by moral restraint, and destruction befalls all but a lucky few. This classic story of the perils of ultimate power is fueled by the supernatural forces that haunt the castles and forests of early Scotland. The audience follows the actors from place to place as the play moves from scene to scene. The show covers approximately three city blocks over two hours, so wear comfy shoes and clothes that can get dirty. 'Macbeth' plays The Battery (July 31-August 20) and Brooklyn Bridge Park (August 22-27).

Show-Score Member Reviews (4)

Clever, Entertaining, Great acting, Great staging, Thought-provoking

See it if You are a fan of Macbeth and want to see a performance of it in a unique venue. Like the way New York Classical Theatre does things.

Don't see it if You don't like moving from scene to scene, or don't like see outsiders wonder what is going on. Read more

Ambitious, Clever, Great writing, Entertaining

See it if You like an "experience" added onto a well-known script, good performances, and a get-to-the-point cut of Macbeth. Jenny Strassburg slays.

Don't see it if You can't move around much, have no patience for a roving piece, and are looking for small performances.

During previews

Ambitious, Intelligent, Inventive, Distracting venue, Well staged

See it if you want to see well-done Shakes. Staging is terrific (great 3 Sisters) and acting mostly strong. Fun Battery Park site (see lit-up Liberty)

Don't see it if you want to hear every word. Noisy venue! Roving takes time, so script is trimmed (intelligent cuts). Actors must shout, thus losing nuance. Read more

During previews

100

Absorbing, Clever, Riveting, Profound, Must see

See it if You want to see a thought-provoking and effective staging.

Don't see it if You don't like tragedies.

Critic Reviews (3)

"There's something thrilling about watching a Shakespearean battle scene enacted in an open field...This new production is a terrific choice for those who want to take in some of the city's quality outdoor theater. Director Stephen Burdman keeps the play to a manageable two hours while leaving the story largely intact...The audience moves around from scene to scene with the players...It's refreshing to see Shakespeare performed well without expensive bells and whistles."
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"This production integrates with the landscape of Battery Park, taking full advantage of the park's many unique features...There's also something to be said for theatre in which the audience doesn't just sit and watch the stage for several hours, but instead gets up and follows the actors...The Witches are delightfully imagined and acted in this production...After the Witches, McLean's Macduff, with a booming voice and impassioned acting, may be the most arresting figure in this production."
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"A full and colorful interpretation of the Bard’s text, allowing it to feel newly alive and quite visceral in the moment. While the entire concept of locating the action throughout the various playing areas of Battery Park deserves credit, many of the accolades rest on the shoulders of the performers themselves...The many issues associated with power with which Macbeth struggles remain relevant today...Do yourself a favor and check out this amazing production."
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Trailer

Creative team

New York Classical Theatre