William Shakespeare's Long Lost First Play (Abridged) NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (53)
See it if you love Shakespeare and spoofs
Don't see it if you want a classic Shakespeare play
See it if you are a fan of RSC and you love their style of show. Or if you just love clever commentary on Shakespeare's work. It's a fun night for all
Don't see it if you don't like improv-type shows, or prefer a more serious setting.
See it if you love to laugh. Great actors. Wonderful for the entire family.
Don't see it if you take yourself very seriously.
See it if You're a Shakespeare fan and would like to bring the kids along to get a a taste of the bard and his plays in one short night or afternoon!
Don't see it if If you don't like anyone to mess with the Bard. This is all light and full of laughter. If you like the real tragedy's don't go.
See it if You have a good knowledge is Shakespearean works so you catch all the references and enjoy a little silliness. Older children will enjoy
Don't see it if You expect a serious Shakespearean performance.
See it if You want something silly and fun. You're familiar with Shakespeare's work (you may be a bit lost if not).
Don't see it if You want something serious, you like your comedy dark or grim. This is pure, clever fun.
See it if You enjoy modern re-workings of Shakespeare. You enjoy physical comedy & truly terrible puns. You want fun & entertainment.
Don't see it if You have no familiarity w/Shakespeare. You prefer a traditional approach to Shakespeare. You dislike physical comedy & broad comedy.
See it if Very enjoyable, jokes come quickly. Some clever, some fall flat, but all in good fun. Amusing references. Will bring a smile to your face.
Don't see it if ...you don't like amusing, silly shows with lots of pop culture references. Read more
Critic Reviews (7)
"Martin, Tichenor, and Spencer are very, very funny; fearless, quick witted, masters of quick change and, most importantly, having a blast on stage, which means the audience is likely to have fun too...The most important thing to enjoying this show is not a knowledge of Shakespeare; rather it is to lower your brow and bring your silly...This is an absolute, resolute, hoot, of a bawdy comedy of errors...A few quibbles: it could use some trimming; some of the gags outlive their funny."
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"Those bad boys of abridgment, the Reduced Shakespeare Company, have struck again...This time their mixed up, verse-juggling, quick-change, three-person comic extravaganza proposes to be the premiere of William Shakespeare’s recently discovered first play...Clearly these performers are in their element...The Reduced Shakespeare Company has always been a hybrid of highbrow and low humor, and this show hits that sweet spot to appeal to all comers."
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"The comic juxtapositions, gags, and shameless puns come so quickly that you barely have time to groan at the last one, and every once in a while something actually makes you pause and think, like letting Macbeth’s witches double as Lear’s daughters or setting up pairings to prove that 'The Lion King' is not the only Disney film based on Shakespeare. This kind of Shakespearean mash-up may no longer be unique to the RSC but it is fun to be reminded that they do it best."
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"The Reduced Shakespeare Company continue to reign supreme as the undisputed masters at reimagining the Bard into hilarious entertainment...The verbal wit would appeal to any speaker of the English language. A dynamic and side-splittingly funny show based around the work of one of the funniest playwrights ever to set quill to paper...The three actors are exceptionally charismatic, able to win the audience immediately and create a fun and gripping atmosphere."
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"Three performers playing multiple parts across daft, quick fire scenes...The script cleverly weaves together multiple works, putting dialogue in different characters' mouths and touching on the most iconic moments...There is less of the hallmark audience interaction in 'Long Lost First Play' than in the company's other shows, which is a shame...Overall, though, this is a slickly executed, enjoyable comedy that is also a fitting and affectionate tribute to the Bard."
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"It’s a win-win proposition. It takes the familiar Reduced Shakespeare approach, and then some...As usual, there are enough references to satisfy any Bard savant, while sufficient of the content of the plays is included to tickle the wits of children. And the recipe is completed by enough slapstick and knockabout farce to keep a large audience happily entertained...The rambling plot holds up surprisingly well. All’s well that ends well, then? Almost certainly."
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"A loving, self-deprecating riff on Shakespeare’s complete canon, condensed into about 90 minutes and chock full of hilarious references...RSC clearly love and admire the Bard, and this admiration for him shines throughout the entire show. Martin, Spencer, and Tichenor have created an absolutely perfect Shakespeare tribute with something to please everyone, regardless of familiarity with the language. Everything about it is fun. I laughed until I cried. Several times."
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