Arcadia (PTP) NYC Reviews and Tickets
Member Reviews (58)
See it if Beautifully woven, touching, philosophical mystery. Linked characters from two eras pursue their passions of discovery and each other.
Don't see it if You aren't interested in slowly developing characters, witty romantic comedy, and intellectual philosophy mixed into an eclectic stew.
See it if you want to see a very well-conceived and smartly-staged production of one of Stoppard's finest works.
Don't see it if you aren't prepared to focus & think at a complex, intricate story, full of provocative ideas & concepts, that is anything but "light fare".
See it if Stoppard's masterpiece of intellectual dizziness & romantic folly Well staged by Faraone w/able ensemble led by excellent Draper & Smith
Don't see it if Even for avid Stoppard fans can be a bit confusing with cultural/historical references coming non-stop (read notes!) Pace slows in 2nd Act
See it if Beautiful writing from a masterful playwright. Good direction and acting, great costumes. Humorous and clever. Two stories in one.
Don't see it if The accents are a little off, but certainly not a reason to skip the show. The small theater provides a wonderful intimacy.
See it if You appreciate Stoppard.
Don't see it if You don't appreciate Stoppard.
See it if You are a fan of Stoppard or you have never seen one of his plays and are curious about the unusual style and brilliant dialogue.
Don't see it if You are bored by long complex dramas that force you to pay close attention or you will lose the thread of the complicated narrative.
See it if you have read but never seen a Stoppard play before and are interested in seeing one performed.
Don't see it if you are, or are bringing, a first-time theater-goer. You have no special interest in Stoppard. You have a short attention span. Read more
See it if As a character says, science is all about the immense & the tiny and we live our lives in the in-between. Lots of words & concepts challenge
Don't see it if the audience in this well-acted philosophical romance. It's funny as well. Best inexpensive ticket around.
Critic Reviews (16)
"Not for the casual theatergoer, but is worth the effort if you're in the market for some intellectual heavy lifting delivered by a company of actors who forsake highbrow pomposity for sincere understanding of their work...This production is undeniably the main event of the repertory season...primarily because of its epic scope of storytelling that director Faraone wrangles into a digestible and diverting piece. It's an excellent introduction to one of Stoppard's most famous works."
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“One spectacular theatrical experience…This show is incredibly impressive, clever and just puts the mind in this state of awe that never fades for the length of the performance...Seeing how each actor is obviously a professional at his or her trade, this show is like watching words and theorems lifted right off of the page and molded into a beautiful story that is as logical as it is sensual...To this phenomenal cast: you are all quite wonderful."
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“An engaging new staging…What PTP/NYC's revival may lack in polish, it makes up for in spirited performances and the intimate space…Directed with stylish panache by Cheryl Faraone…It's the quest for knowledge that matters most and Stoppard proceeds to expand upon this axiom in the philosophical debating between his characters…‘Arcadia’ is a treasure trove of debate and not to be missed.”
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"The Potomac Theatre Project's production of Tom Stoppard's 1993 'Arcadia' puts his genius on display in a good-natured, easy-going production of this time-shifting, mystery. Directed by Cheryl Faraone, the play finds its own rhythms that unroll slowly, revealing its pleasures when early conundrums are resolved in a charming and warm ending."
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"Potomac does a fantastic job preserving the essence of the play and keeping the simplicity of the staging, lest overdesign distract from the power of the text...Potomac’s production also highlights the complexity of the female characters. The powerful presence of women makes 'Arcadia' a compassionate, timely warning against misogyny...Certainly 'Arcadia' never sets out to be easy entertainment—it demands curiosity and attention to detail. But the result is a life-altering one."
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"'Arcadia' fits awkwardly in the confines of the Atlantic Theater's tiny facility. Scenic designer Mark Evancho has created an obstacle course of furnishings and oddly arranged exits that Faraone's blocking and the actors' stage presence never overcome...The production never effervesces as it should; and the wit of numerous passages is sacrificed to the languorous pace of direction and the almost lugubrious overall tone."
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"The play proves as timeless as ever...While Stoppard shines as a technician in plotting what may be his most intricate work, his near erudite-to-a-fault script is far from bulletproof in the hands of lesser performers. Thankfully, once they warm up a bit, the company have golden ears for Stoppardian wordplay and rhythms...Draper and Jarvis are electric together as the feuding scholars...If you've seen it before, you might be surprised what you find yourself learning in another sitting."
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"Ultimately this stunningly beautiful and funny play...is a joy to behold...Directed with clarity and deftness by Cheryl Faraone...Funnier and more touching than I remember. PTP/NYC has given it a wit and humor that I had forgotten existed. It’s a wildly fun night of complex theatre, aching to educated, but in the end, 'Arcadia' just entertains."
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