Arcadia (PTP) NYC Reviews and Tickets
Member Reviews (57)
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".
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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"As intriguing as these subplots are, it is not these machinations across the centuries that ultimately empower 'Arcadia.' That is what makes Cheryl Faraone’s staging of “Arcadia” so successful. She has managed to tap deeply into the playfulness of Stoppard’s script...What makes this shift in focus possible is Professor Faraone’s PTP/NYC cast which she directs with a high dose of care with just the right splash of whimsy."
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"Stoppard’s 'Arcadia' exemplifies the British playwright’s gift for combining intellectual inspection of the corners of science, philosophy and history with high comedy. The wit is dry, but the plays are juicy, and 'Arcadia' is one of his best...Although there are moments when the actors’ projection falters or they face upstage and words are lost, there is nonetheless much fine work...'Arcadia' is seldom done. Faraone’s production, even with flaws, provides an opportunity well worth seizing."
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"Bursting with crackling dialogue and near-sublime wit...A through-and-through excellent cast artfully directed by Cheryl Faraone makes the longish play fly by with scarcely a slow moment, consistently engaging our visceral spirits and our intellectual muscles alike...Anyone who appreciates the happy confluence of a great, timeless text and a company of players with a feel for history as robust as its skills will gain from seeing this masterful production."
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"Well done, largely thanks to Faraone's smart, clear, well-paced, and compassionate direction...The show is extremely funny, with twists and turns on top of twists and turns, and more themes than one play should be able to handle...The cast ranges from good enough to quite good...The PTP 'Arcadia' was the first where I found the modern scenes almost as wonderful as the ones in the 1800s...Not without its flaws, but it is a must-see for any Stoppard fan."
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"You must see this show...It is an intellectual thrill ride with humor and grace...Few plays are held in as high esteem as 'Arcadia,' and few companies have the talent and experience to do it justice...Potomac Theatre Project provides an evening of theatre that transports us and captures our imagination. The acting and directing are superb, and the play ain’t bad either."
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"If words are not your thing, this production is not for you. However, if you love language, humor and magnificent intelligence, don’t miss it...The play touches on imagination, garden design, the Romantic vs. the Classic temperament and good old sex...Calling this play witty or intellectual or both robs it of its charm and brilliance—it‘s way beyond. The Potomac Theater Project produces works that spark thinking and give audiences the opportunity to celebrate theatrical craft."
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"This unfussy production offers up an opportunity to reevaluate the play as one of the major dramas of our time…The production likewise allows the writing and acting to flourish...Faraone handles an ambitious script with aplomb, eliciting potent performances while keeping the pacing taut. The cast works as a remarkably intuitive ensemble, like instruments in a chamber orchestra. PTP succeeds in offering a refresher course on the sublime delights of this evergreen play.”
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“'Arcadia' is a dense, thrilling and wonderfully look at the big questions…Cheryl Faraone has her hands full with this play that bounces between time periods and accomplishes it with grace…Mr. Smith, while fully looking the part, disappoints slightly in his delivery of the rapid-fire text…Lady Croom (Megan Byrne) deftly manages comedy and imperiousness in equal strengths.”
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