As You Like It (The Public)

See it if you respond to a joyful, tuneful show. Altho some scenes are unpolished, the evening flies by in a happy glow. Funny, sweet, inspiring.

Don't see it if you want traditional Shakesp. Most important ideas/characters are here, but not many of his lines. Who cares when this AYLI is so much fun!?

Also Shaina Taub is a genius. I can't wait until she gets the recognition she deserves! She's written two wonderful Public Works shows and the songs for Old Hats. What a talent!... Read more Read less

See it if you like the mission of the Public Works program. It's not a shiny polished gem, but it's not trying to be and that's part of the magic.

Don't see it if you aren't interested in a show that has valued community engagement over elite production values.

See it if The best yet of the Delacorte Labor Day "pageants." Shaina Taub wrote a great score and plays an amusing Jaques. The other leads are good

Don't see it if Eye-popping staging with well choreographed troupes of dancers, acrobats and children. Animal puppets were great. The giant lion was awesome

Also Two same-sex couples were audience favorites. Here, it's Touchstone and Andy (not Audrey) -- Phoebe and Sylvia (not Silvius). Totally adorable... Read more Read less

See it if enjoy a joyful musical Shakespeare interpretation that has a cast of 100's. Great spectacle complete with appropriate prose

Don't see it if you prefer a strict interpretation of the Bard's work

See it if you want to support the wonderful Public Works projects. A fun-filled evening that makes Shakespeare accessable to all. Truly worthwhile.

Don't see it if you are a Shakespeare purist.

See it if you want outrageous fun and don't mind Shakespeare being tossed and turned. Very updated with multi ethnic cast, rock groups...a musical.

Don't see it if If you want pure Shakespeare. This ain't even close.Kinda typical of what Oscar E. does now.

Also Shaina Taub is brilliant performer, singer, musician, writer. wow!
Unfortunately the show was only a few days. maybe they will bring it back.... Read more Read less

See it if A fun, free show in Central Park is just what you need to take your mind off depressing news.

Don't see it if You prefer your Shakespeare straight.

Also I sat for two hours with a giddy grin on my face. This show is so much fun! Ato Blankson-Wood is terrific as Orlando.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy updated Shakespeare, outdoor theater, big productions. Charming and sweet if hard to follow the plot. But who cares in the end.

Don't see it if you are a Shakespeare purist. If paring down the story to the point of it not making sense bothers you. A bit chaotic.

Also While not a perfect production, the Public Works programs always provide something special. Try and see this if you can get a ticket.... Read more Read less

See it if Enchanting musical take on a Shakespearean gender switching, love and lots of weddings - wonderful fun but not for purists

Don't see it if You need your Shakespeare straight and sober

See it if Public Works productions in the Park are an annual delight. Mixed professional and amateur performers, all having a great time. Celebratory

Don't see it if You like your theater indoors, humorless and "respectful" of the the Classics.

Also Thoroughly entertaining with a terrific score by Shaina Taub, and a shout out to a vivacious Rebecca Naomi Jones and the cast of hundreds.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy good singing, dancing and dialogue under the night sky at the Delacourt theater in Central Park.

Don't see it if Can’t think of why you wouldn’t enjoy it!

See it if you love NYC. This is community/professional theater at its best in the greatest theater space in the City. Spend the time in the line.

Don't see it if "you hate lines", are a purist about Shakespeare, hate Central Park, can't sit for 140 minutes without intermission. Your loss!

See it if you want to see a bunch of New Yorkers having so much fun with an updated version of As You Like It that you're guaranteed to have fun, too.

Don't see it if you can't stand anything but the most serious and literal takes on Shakespeare, or if you have no sense of joy.

Also Shaina Taub is a treasure. The show is not perfect, and these imperfections are on full display with so many non-professionals onstage, but the good parts are great, and it has so much charm and joy and everyone is having so much fun, that you'll love it all the same.... Read more Read less

See it if you 're looking for a fun, accessible Shakespeare adaptation with a wonderful positive energy (plus a choir, puppets, and debka dancers!).

Don't see it if you want to get to know this play as Shakespeare wrote it. You believe that the theater is only for an elite or those in the know.

Also This play was a delight. I had never attended a Public Works performance before, and I advise newcomers to enter with an open mind. Don't expect the usual Delacorte fare; this is pageantry and, as such, it is Shakespeare "lite." Most of the dialogue was replaced with modernized songs -- some of which were hilarious or moving, while others were slightly trite.

Knowing the play well was an asset in this case. Though large chunks were cut, I was able to fill in the gaps. Without this knowledge, parts may have been confusing. With it, I was able to appreciate ways in which the added songs actually enhanced and deepened elements of the plot and characters. Notably, Rosalind and Orlando became more rounded and relatable.

All but 5 of the actors were non-equity, and it showed. The 5 equity actors were superior in their showmanship. However, the motley crew of 250 were clearly having so much fun that the less professional aspects were still enjoyable. I grinned the whole way through.... Read more Read less

See it if You are looking for a joyful, magical experience that celebrates community

Don't see it if You're a Shakespeare purist looking for a straight interpretation

See it if you want to witness and be indulged in an all-inclusive show that pours passion, love, and the power of community right into your heart.

Don't see it if you have your strong opinions about how Shakespeare's shows should be.

See it if Just see it!! A beautiful heartwarming production.

Don't see it if You are expecting a classic interpretation of Shakespeare.

See it if Love shakespeare.

Don't see it if Want to see a musical or dancing

See it if you want to see a clever, updated, fun Shakespearean musical production with a very talented cast from the community!

Don't see it if you only like traditional Shakespearean productions.

See it if you like colorful and creative musical Shakespeare professionally staged and inclusive of community.

Don't see it if you like staid tradition.

See it if unfortunately it's closed as I'm writing this, but this joyous show is a must see for alt-Shakespeare

Don't see it if you don't like Shakespeare's comedies where everything works out in the end

See it if You love a high energy, funny, and oftentimes thought provoking show.

Don't see it if No reason not to see it. It only runs a couple days so try to see it if you can!

See it if you want to see all of New York come together to make an approachable version of Shakespeare's great work.

Don't see it if Random Russian folklore groups dancing in the middle of your Shakespeare would confuse you.

See it if you appreciate terrific performances and incredible music and lyrics.

Don't see it if you don't like someone tampering with Shakespeare.

See it if you want to experience joy

Don't see it if you hate experiencing joy

Also the boy with the bucket is pretty great