Arcadia (BEDLAM) NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (26)
See it if Tom Stoppard’s writing comes to life in a delightful, absorbing and well-acted production. Bravissimi.
Don't see it if You don’t like to hear rich dialogue and follow a complex story. Read more
See it if Wonderfully layered Tom Stoppard play, performed in the third floor of a church literally off-Broadway by the ever resourceful Bedlam.
Don't see it if Play is complex with lots of science and Chaos Theory and witticisms that fly by not helped by the poor acoustics and uncomfortable seats. Read more
See it if you like Bedlam's style of updated classics or have never seen this Stoppard piece before
Don't see it if you need everything run sequentially and spelled out for you
See it if you like Tom Stoppard plays - it's an intellectual exercise. Bedlam adds some innovative touches.
Don't see it if you don't like plays that are full of obscure references. You never really understand the motivations or get to know characters very well.
See it if A different kind of Stoppard play. Goes back and forth in time.
Don't see it if Acting was inconsistent; some good some not so much. Changes stage and seating at intermission.
See it if you have never seen a production of "Arcadia". This one disappoints due to poor acoustics & very uncomfortable seating for act two.
Don't see it if you have already seen a production of "Arcadia".
See it if You are prepared to take in 3 hours of straight (genius) plot, social commentary, and intellectual arguments. Brilliant use of the venue.
Don't see it if Will probably make your head hurt (in a good way). Masterpiece? Yes. For everyone? No. If you're unsure, definitely give it a shot!
See it if You want to see a fresh and delightful take on this difficult play.
Don't see it if You are hard of hearing or find it difficult to follow fast dialogue. It can be difficult to catch all the words.
Critic Reviews (8)
"Arcadia runs three hours but never overstays its welcome. Stoppard and Bedlam repay the audience’s investment of patience and attention with ample dividends: a profound exploration of the human condition augmented with playful comedy, poignant romance and bitter irony."
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"If this is an imperfect production of a nearly perfect play, it nevertheless strikes plenty of intellectual sparks. If you've never seen Arcadia, you can be captivated by its extraordinary double-helix construction and dazzling ideas. If you're familiar with it, it's a repeat visit that will only yield new insights. The Stoppardian Mind is always an exhilarating place to visit."
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"Arcadia is an acrobatic blend of elements, some graspable and at least one teasingly elusive."
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"After two world premieres, Bedlam has returned to what the company does best: new takes on classic plays. Director Eric Tucker’s revival of Tom Stoppard’s 'Arcadia' is a mixed blessing, getting some things right and some things wrong. The first problem is that although the domed performance space at The West End Theatre makes a lovely venue for a play set first in 1809 and then in the present the sound is difficult to understand because of the architecture. This is a mistake in a play where the words are so important."
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"I had one of those tingly New York theater experiences...you walk into an unprepossessing theater space, off the beaten path, not sure what to expect, and witness some astonishing theater. In their production of Tom Stoppard’s 'Arcadia', Bedlam Theater Company proves yet again that it is not budget that makes great theater; it’s talent, creativity and boldness."
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“...some moments did feel rushed, like when Hannah Jarvis uncovers Thomasina’s mathematical work. It’s one of the most exciting revelations in the play and it should have landed more of an emotional wallop. Still, overall, this is a worthwhile production of an amazing play.”
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Arcadia is a tough enough nut to crack for the foremost actors and directors. Bedlam’s revival is an object lesson in what happens when those involved lack the artistic strength to squeeze the nutcracker all the way.
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The adventurous New York troupe Bedlam is reviving Tom Stoppard’s high comedy Arcadia in a production that brings the time-traveling, farcical action very close to the audience. As a result, aspects of the script, disdained by some as hyperintellectual and bloodless 30 years ago, seem more poignant and heartfelt than before. What’s eye-opening is that Stoppard’s gargantuan buffet is so satisfying when served as a cozy picnic.
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