A Midsummer Night's Dream (Public Theater)

See it if An amazing experience with a stellar cast, wonderful staging, rich costumes and sets. I loved everything about it. It was cool out as well!

Don't see it if You don't like the bard ...

See it if director brilliantly brings out MND's comedic side by setting up as inspired sitcom, casting musical comedy stars A. Ashford & D. Burstein

Don't see it if missing magic inherent in MND in fairyland, miscasts Nielsen as Puck, misconceives fairies as alta cockers

Also This is a good, entertaining MND but not a great one. A great one brings out the combination of elements in MND, comedic and fantastical, that causes you to leave the theater feeling as if you've emerged from a wondrous dream.... Read more Read less

See it if you've never seen this show performed outdoors. The mystical forest setting lends itself perfectly to Shakespeare in the Park.

Don't see it if you're expecting a production as good as the Julie Taymor-helmed version a few years ago. It's entertaining enough, but something's missing.

See it if You really want the perfect Shakespeare in the Park experience. This production was born for the park & the performances are wonderful.

Don't see it if You simply aren't interested in Shakespeare or romantic comedies, or if you have bad allergies.

See it if since it's free, if weather is nice, to see Annaleigh Ashford, to spend an evening in Central Park, if you've never seen MSND be4, then go..

Don't see it if you've ever seen an inspired production of MSND, you want your Shakespeare treated better, you never want to see MSND again, you can't care

See it if you enjoy updated Shakespeare in a lovely setting with a stellar cast and a jazzy bent.

Don't see it if you are a Shakespeare purist and you have a problem with fun song and dance breaks

Also I loved the juxtaposition of the "seasoned" fairies vamping on and off the stage in their pajamas with the athletic lovers dashing about the woods. The casting was the very essence of diverse, in both race and age. Burstein brought a dignity to Bottom that one doesn't usually see and that frankly didn't work all that well, but that's a quibble. Ashford can do no wrong. Her comic timing and physicality were superb. Truly a magical evening.... Read more Read less

See it if This was one of the better SitP of recent years, completely entertaining throughout. Annaleigh Ashford is a hilarious scene stealer.

Don't see it if you don't like Shakespeare plays or want to see a musical (the director added a little music however).

See it if you love the written play and appreciate it when a director draws out typically overlooked aspects of Shakespearean comedies

Don't see it if you expect a period piece or are indifferent to Shakespeare/his comedies—this play's good but probably not worth the line to non-WS fans

Also worth the wait in line if you have enjoyed performances of A Midsummer before or love Shakespeare in general—this production is a great one to compare to other interpretations of the same material. This show does a better job than others I’ve seen of making the 4 lovers actually funny (although Puck and the fairies are less entertaining in this show). The production also manipulates the mood with engaging music choices. Captures the absurdity of the love-struck without ever becoming dreary. Buoyant and charming!... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy a good Shakespeare comedy with touches of modernism and a healthy dollop of good music and singing

Don't see it if you are a fan of Shakespeare performed as written taking no liberties

See it if Already enjoy the play and like the more standard production

Don't see it if Want to see a new staging or take one a classic

See it if You want to see the best of The Bard, put on by the best of NY Theater, performed by outstanding actors, in beautiful Central Park.

Don't see it if You think you don't like Shakespeare, but that's only because you haven't seen it performed live, and well! go see any Shakespeare you can!

See it if you like Shakespeare & love what the Public Theater does at the Delacort. A real treat!

Don't see it if You don't like to sit outside or take a chance with the weather.

See it if you are in the mood to have your spirits lifted and your funny bone tickled!!!

Don't see it if you don't enjoy the taking of a classic story and modernizing it with a new perspective.

See it if enjoy Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, a classic & a fun night at the theatre. Annaleigh Ahford shines

Don't see it if prefer more serious plays

See it if Simply Joyous; Superb cast of veterans and newcomers

Don't see it if already closed - hopefully the Public has a videotape that can be viewed

See it if Love Shakespeare. This was a hilariously ditzy take on an old favorite with wonderful music and originality.

Don't see it if you hate being outdoors.

See it if You like your comedy broad and playful. You enjoy a very accessible Shakespeare outdoors on a pleasant summer night.

Don't see it if Your idea of woodland sprites are septuagenarians in nightgowns. What's that about?

Also Lots of delightful scenery chewing in this one ( especially Annaleigh Ashford and Danny Burstein) and a nicely presented music score to boot.... Read more Read less

See it if You love Shakespeare, or like creative comedies.

Don't see it if You don't like sitting outside, or don't like Elizabethan theater.

See it if Magical production with good casting. Terrific ashford was on point with every move. Very fun evening. The singer was great and added verve

Don't see it if You need Shakespeare to be just traditional. The sets were magical and the language very easy to follow though

See it if you are up for a very funny evening of Shakespeare in the Park. This production is short on poetry but long on laughs.

Don't see it if you require subtlety, melancholy and rapture in your "Dream".

See it if you wanted to see a lovely version where you don't need to "study" ahead of time. It may be a little wacky for some but still...

Don't see it if you like your Shakespeare a little more traditional.

See it if You are looking for a great time in the park and some fabulous and fun performances of the fluffiest of Shakespeare shows! A great evening!

Don't see it if You hate being outside and laughing

See it if You enjoy fun and entertaining productions of Shakespeare's comedies

Don't see it if You don't like modern twists on classics

See it if After the terrible JULIUS CAESAR, this was a delight. Annaleigh Ashford stole the show.

Don't see it if It's still Shakespeare. It's still long. The seats at the Delacorte are still very uncomfortable.

See it if you want to see another SITP Public Theater winner. This is just how MSND should be, great acting and staging, just MAGICAL.

Don't see it if you don't like Shakespeare done imaginatively.