Hercules (Public Works) NYC Reviews and Tickets

83%

(69 Ratings)

Positive

93%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Entertaining, Delightful, Ambitious, Funny, Great staging

About the Show

Disney's animated musical comes to life in this new participatory staging by Public Works. The free, outdoor production features a cast of professional actors and community groups from across the city.

From the show:

The Public Theater’s initiative that invites communities across New York to create ambitious works of participatory theater is closing out the summer in truly epic fashion. Public Works will present the glorious story of HERCULES, brought to vibrant life by professional actors and community groups from across the city. Directed by Public Works founder and Resident Director Lear deBessonet, this summer’s production, based on the Disney animated film, will feature the film’s beloved score, plus additional original songs by the film’s composer Alan Menken and lyricist David Zippel, with a new book by Kristoffer Diaz and choreography by Chase Brock. Journey with Hercules in this new stage adaptation that invites New Yorkers from all five boroughs to participate in a joyous musical that celebrates the heroes found in all of us.

Show-Score Member Reviews (69)

Fluffy, Delightful, Entertaining, Quirky, Ambitious

See it if you love Disney or community theater. Professional actors are onstage with local performers, and there are five new songs.

Don't see it if you're daunted by bad weather. The theater is exposed to the elements, and there's always the possibility of wind or rain.

Epic, Great acting, Great staging, Clever, Ambitious

See it if you enjoyed the Hercules movie, you didn’t enjoy the Hercules movie, you’re a human on Earth, you have a pulse, ANY reason. A must-see!

Don't see it if you want to miss Jelani Alladin’s charming, hilarious star turn as Hercules or James Monroe Inglehart’s equally stellar support. Read more

Entertaining, Enchanting, Delightful

See it if You enjoy watching talented actors of all ages doing what they love. Moving and memorable. A great evening under the stars.

Don't see it if You are expecting a Broadway production. Read more

Joyful, Refreshing, Great staging, Great singing, Ambitious

See it if you want to see the Disney classic with a refreshing, community minded twist.

Don't see it if you expect to see the movie translated exactly. The mission of Public Works wins the day here, and to great effect.

Fabulous production, Impressive, Must see, Hilarious, Entertaining

See it if you want laughs, charm & entertainment in an everything-but-the-kitchen sink, glittering collage of a show; great singing, awesome props

Don't see it if you're an old grouch who wants to see a classic Greek play; can't relax enough for a cartoonish, over-the-top total feast for the senses Read more

Funny, Entertaining, Enchanting, Delightful, Clever

See it if you're a fan of the animated film, or of any of the performers, or if you like an entertaining, socially relevant show.

Don't see it if You don't like whimsy or want something self-serious.

Ambitious, Entertaining, Enchanting

See it if you want to see Broadway-caliber talent combined with community theater's energy and raw excitement.

Don't see it if you don't want to watch a retelling of the Disney film, or you're a stickler for accuracy to the original Greek myths.

Ambitious, Funny, Delightful, Great singing, Entertaining

See it if uplifting musicals, based on Disney animated film, wonderful performances incl. Alladin, Rodriquez, Iglehart & Bart as a funny Hades

Don't see it if don't want giant ensembles, nonprofessional ensembles (even though excellent) Read more

Critic Reviews (17)

CRITIC'S PICK "Review: Public Works Finds the Heroism in ‘Hercules’ With shrewd casting and amateur performers joining professionals onstage, a middling 1997 animated Disney musical becomes a pageant of civic engagement."
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"The Strengths and Weaknesses of a Free Public 'Hercules'"
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"‘Hercules’ Off Broadway Review: Stage Adapted Disney Film Comes To Life In Central Park"
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"Hit or myth? This legendary hunk finds a musical home — this time with a sense of community."
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"Community theater of the most spectacular kind."
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"‘Hercules’ proves strong enough to lift all of Central Park, but only for a few days."
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3/4 Stars "Central Park ‘Hercules’ is a heartfelt wake-up call for Disney"
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B+ "Hercules musical is a stage adaptation filled with heroics and heart"
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Trailer

Creative team