As You Like It (The Public) NYC Reviews and Tickets

88%

(29 Ratings)

Positive

97%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Entertaining, Delightful, Enchanting, Great staging, Funny

About the Show

The Public Theater presents a free outdoor musicalization of Shakespeare's comedy, a dreamlike tale of faithful friends, feuding families, and lovers in disguise.

Forced from their homes, Orlando, Duke Senior, his daughter Rosalind, and his niece Celia escape to the Forest of Arden, a fantastical place of transformation where all are welcomed and embraced. Lost amidst the trees, the refugees find community and acceptance under the stars. Part of the Public Theater's Public Works series, which brings professional artists and community members together to create ambitious works of participatory theater.

Show-Score Member Reviews (29)

Delightful, Entertaining, Refreshing, Fun, Charming

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. Read more

Fun, Ambitious, Delightful

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. Read more

Absorbing, Delightful, Funny, Romantic, Indulgent

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.

Romantic, Great staging, Great singing, Entertaining, Delightful

See it if you like joyful musicals.

Don't see it if you prefer serious dramas.

Great acting, Wonderful use of community groups, Inclusive, Wonderful score, Lively

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. Read more

Enchanting, A lot of fun, Confusing, Dizzying, Great singing/acting

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. Read more

Entertaining, Great staging, Dizzying, Refreshing

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.

Delightful, Entertaining, Clever

See it if You like music infused into a classic Shakespearean comedy. Fun and often ingenious.

Don't see it if You don’t like your Shakespeare messed with. It’s barebones Shakespeare here for the masses.

Critic Reviews (5)

Trailer

Creative team