Crimes and Crimes NYC Reviews and Tickets

66%

(7 Reviews)

Positive

71%

Mixed

Negative

29%

Members say

Ambitious, Entertaining, Clever, Quirky, Delightful

About the Show

August Strindberg Rep presents a new adaptation of Strindberg's impressionistic play about an aspiring playwright.

After years of struggle, Maurice sees that his about-to-be-produced drama is poised for success. But on the evening of his victory, in a fit of wild passion, he abandons his mistress and her child to take up with the mistress of a friend. When his old mistress' child dies, he accuses his new love of committing murder, while the law thinks Maurice may be the killer. This new adaptation of Strindberg's classic offers a lighter take on the story, setting it in modern-day NYC and adding an element of absurdity by making the human child a treasured champion show dog.

Member Reviews (7)

Clever, Quirky, Funny

See it if you are interested in a new take re; a Strindberg play and do not expect the original (and like cookies &)

Don't see it if if you are an ardent Strindbergite. It is like seeing a quirky Hamlet

Ambitious, Indulgent, Quirky

See it if you like Strindberg's language and story set-up

Don't see it if you do not like your classic plays altered in any way

Critic Reviews (2)

“A tedious and inane contemporary adaptation...There is nothing at all redeeming about it...The mastermind behind this travesty is Whitney Gail Aronson. Ms. Aronson’s dialogue is archly stylized and the New York City cultural milieu is strictly fantasyland. Aronson’s direction is rudimentary and sluggish...An academic experiment that is poorly realized...About the only real entertaining element of ‘Crimes and Crimes’ is the uncredited excellent music played during the scene transitions."
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"Though the change from child to animal does lighten the mood and makes Maurice’s actions somewhat more forgivable, some of the plot stretches credibility...It does, however, make the circumstance melodramatic and absurd, which brings out the humor in the play. Aronson has accomplished her goal. The play has witty moments and comic scenes. The absurdism makes for great melodramatic humor as well. The revision keeps the audience focused on its entertaining and engaging story."
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