Hercules (Public Works)

See it if you want an entertaining, unsophisticated evening. Actors have as much fun as audience. Many good songs, well-staged. Pure, silly delight.

Don't see it if you want all actors to be professnl (is community effort). Many lyrics get lost (enunciate!) Kids' story, but clever book/nice message.

See it if You want a show that has some substance yet will put a smile on your face at the same time. Lots of flash and fun, big dance numbers.

Don't see it if You’re looking for quiet and subtle. At times they fill the entire stage and the aisles too!! It’s loud, brash and in your face fun.

Also I had never seen the movie before seeing this show so I don’t know if it was faithful to the film or not but I loved this show. It made me laugh and smile and even tear up a couple of times. The staging was spectacular as were the costumes and lighting. Lots of little bits they threw in were hysterical. Plus just the fact that you won your ticket made the whole evening a bit of a party. (Plus I sat right in front of Lin Manuel Miranda and his father...what’s not to love!)... Read more Read less

See it if Funded stage adaptation of the Disney animated film. The tough guy's gotta sing.Five additional songs.Everyone's included. Accept its terms.

Don't see it if Rushed to rehearsal. For everyone to have a role, everyone must step onto the stage and often, all at the same time.

Also Look for this to probably transfer with a different cast.

See it if you're excited to see a celebration of the way art can unite and empower communities.

Don't see it if you're expecting a super-polished, high-production-value Disney Production.

See it if You’re seeking a family show that is very community driven, utilizing both professional actors and members of the NYC community.

Don't see it if You’re hoping for a big Disney show. There are a lot of people on stage, but this is still very much an unfinished work.

See it if Delightful, but not the best of the Labor Day Public Works. Loved the costumes and puppets, but the choreography was unfocused. Great band

Don't see it if Jelani Alladin is so charming and talented. He also hugged everyone at the stage door. Roger Bart was terrific. Jeff Hiller is a riot.

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)

Also the large size of the ensemble (with its great diversity of ages) as well as giant monster puppets (beautiful!) may make the choreography a bit awkward in parts but minor criticism. A very well done happy show.... Read more Read less

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.

Also THEY HIT IT OUT OF THE (Central) PARK! Including the stupendous Roger Bart, the sublime Tamika Lawrence, and everybody in this sizeable cast! PERFECTION!... Read more Read less

See it if you liked the Disney movie or enjoy family-friendly shows. Large (200+) community cast.

Don't see it if You want a Broadway-ready production. This is a great Public Works production, but it has a few bumps. Overall a fun night!

See it if Super 90s nostalgia + great singing and staging = a night of joy. Some updates on casting and focus on values relevant to today.

Don't see it if Very Disney story, music, corny jokes fall flat for you. Dislike changes from cartoon.

Also Diversity: Black Hercules, parents, and Muses. Adoptive parents are Black father and Asian mother. Diverse community members in ages, sizes, ethnicities, and boroughs.
Free ticket from online lottery via TodayTix app.... Read more Read less

See it if you loved Disney movie & want to evoke memories. Otherwise, this is mediocre staging with 1-2 strong performances (e.g., Bart, Rodriguez).

Don't see it if you want great musical theater. This is mediocre story-telling, cluttered staging, with a few good songs. Clearly for diehard fans of movie.

See it if Superb union of veteran Broadway with community in a real life Disney extravaganza.

Don't see it if You can't put your brain in park and just revel in a thrill ride of costumes, marching band and staging.

Also Try to see this because everybody will be talking about this for years.... Read more Read less

See it if You love theater that demonstrates the talents of lay & professional performers. A joyous musical; a life-celebrating treat in Central Park!

Don't see it if You prefer sitting indoors.

See it if you want to see a staged version of the Disney movie (for the most part). It is a staged "Disney on Ice" essentially.

Don't see it if you are looking for more than an extravaganza.

See it if You want to experience the Public Works program in all its glory. This is a great example of what makes the program great.

Don't see it if You dislike productions that are self-referential, break the fourth wall, or reference other musicals.

Also "Songs should have an infectious melody and rhythm," he says. They "should elicit an emotion, of happiness, or of celebration, or of sadness, or of sorrow, or of love, or of laughter — whatever." -Alan Menken

That they should. And while Hercules doesn't pack as many infectious melodies as say, Beauty and the Beast or The Little Mermaid, it remains a fine score, and this production brings it to life in wonderful fashion.

Detractors of this production have used the term "community theatre" as a pejorative when describing some aspects of the show. I would argue that the joy and love, which is so palpable throughout, is the epitome of community theatre. In the most beautiful way.

It is this real sense of community that allows for the last leg of the musical to land especially hard.

Jelani Alladin, Krysta Rodriguez, Roger Bart, and James Monroe Iglehart are all on their A-game.

I won a ticket at 8:05, and they will continue to draw until they have none left. So give it a shot!... Read more Read less

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

Also Great performances by Roger Bart & James Monroe Ingelhart; Jelani Alladin made a sweet, multi-talented ( but dancer-slim) Hercules. I ADORED the fabulous 5 Muses, the kids, the seniors, the choruses. The amazing Ten Hairy Legs men's troupe. But my favorite of all: the EXQUISITE giant puppets! They just blew me away!... Read more Read less

See it if you can.

Don't see it if would you honestly pass this up if you had the chance?

Also I heard “it felt like a community theatre production” numerous times as I walked out of the Delacorte. Newsflash to you all: it is. And honestly, that's its biggest strength.

Unfortunately, the new material is impotent, forgettable fluff.... Read more Read less

See it if you can get a ticket - it's free, and it's a mildly entertaining night at the theater.

Don't see it if you want a more serious and/or unpredictable show. This is a pretty paint-by-numbers plot.

See it if you like the story, want to see an outdoor musical, or want to support the theatre community.

Don't see it if you want to see a polished Disney show on stage.

See it if An entertaining family musical with a delightful score & terrific lead performances. It has a community theatre feel with lot's of heart.

Don't see it if You're looking for a well polished Disney musical spectacle. However, with a bit of tinkering this would do very well on Broadway.

See it if you can get a ticket! This was worth the efforts. It's a big, fun, heartwarming spectacle. Perfect marriage between Disney + The Public.

Don't see it if you're expecting a fully-realized, polished Disney production. This is still a Public Works show. (But that's not a bad thing at all.)

Also I really hope this has a future life on Broadway. But I've gotta say, I really, really liked the Public Works aspect of the show. I loved the mix of professional + community, old + young, as well as the inclusions of dance groups, marching bands, puppetry, etc. I was really enchanted the whole time. And for what it's worth I thought it was a much more rewarding Disney Theatricals venture than Tarzan or Little Mermaid (or Frozen, for that matter).... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy a true spectacle. They went all-out. They held the integrity of the score with a few additions with an amazing cast.

Don't see it if you're looking for something complex. The plot is straight forward & it's possible adults might not like it if they don't know the film.

See it if you love the Public Theater and New York City. This is what enjoying the theater in NYC is all about. Great cast, staging, community, FREE!

Don't see it if you want to see a heavy and cerebral show. It's kind of silly and light. Predictable Disney extravaganza. Not all professional.

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.

See it if enjoy great musical theater in a magical setting with great acting of a modern version of a classic.

Don't see it if you enjoy traditional Shakespeare, don't enjoy musicals or being at an outdoor venue.