King Lear (Secret Theatre) NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (38)
See it if you love Shakespeare, and especially adaptations staging the Bard in more modern periods.
Don't see it if you don't like Shakespeare or can't sit through a long play.
See it if you want to take advantage of seeing the play—in fact, the complete play without cuts.
Don't see it if you’re worried that you won’t find the small theater tucked away in LI City. Read more
See it if You like anything Shakespeare. You want to see a great play with great performers. You want to see a modern take on King Lear.
Don't see it if You don't like Shakespeare (who doesn't). You don't like modern versions of Shakespeare. You don't want to see an entertaining play
See it if u want 2 c Legend, Pendelton's Lear supported by an outstanding cast/ r prepared 2 c singing,stage combat & innovative set on a tiny stage
Don't see it if u don't like non-traditional but innovative directing, lots of screaming, excellent acting.
See it if You're a fan of Shakespeare. This was a good prosuction.
Don't see it if You don't like modern interpretations or can't sit for three hours.
See it if you want to see the great Austin Pendleton in this role! It had some great moments and a fresh take that made me see Lear in a new way.
Don't see it if you don't like Shakespeare, or can't sit through a 3+ hour play (on pretty uncomfortable seats). Read more
See it if For Austin Pendleton & Elizabeth Davis. You like your Lear as a character study/psychological drama.
Don't see it if You like your Lear with a larger scope, more political than personal.
See it if Very good version of Lear; Pendleton is excellent.
Don't see it if you are not a Shakespeare fan; small theater, long play
Critic Reviews (5)
"Starring the consistently compelling and creative Austin Pendleton as Lear...Superbly directed by Alberto Bonilla, the production has an almost bipolar slant...Any good production of 'King Lear' is completely reliant on a solid cast, especially in certain key roles. And Bonilla’s has just the team that works smoothly with Pendleton and possesses the ability to make Shakespeare sound natural in a very contemporary setting...An innovative, exciting version of one of the great plays of all time."
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"The Secret Theatre’s new production resonates deeply with a modern culture made acutely sensitive to the tragedy of dementia...They draw more prancing humor out of Lear‘s scenarios than one usually sees...None of that sacrifices the integrity of Shakespeare’s language and storytelling, the lighthearted sequences as well as the overriding tragedy...A re-conception neither radical nor half-hearted, the result is a respectful and forceful staging."
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"Director Alberto Bonilla and his ensemble focus on developing strong, complex, and believable characters...What I look for in a Shakespeare production is to be shown something new or surprising in a canon I am all too familiar with. Bonilla, Pendleton, Davis, and Macleod made me want to spend time with these characters, and they found something both unexpected and deeply satisfying in the construction."
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“‘King Lear’ has been regarded as one of Shakespeare's supreme achievements. The cast is extremely talented but Austin Pendleton in the lead role was sometimes difficult to understand. While he delivered some excellent monologues, he stumbled over more than a few lines. However, he acted the mad King at the end of the play with flair. The stage props and lighting created a cool and eerie atmosphere that made the personal descent of the King into madness more pronounced. I recommend this show.”
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"A brutal tale of betrayal, madness, passion and redemption. No wonder an outstanding cast of professionals from TV, movies and Broadway is required to meet the challenge...Strong, haunting interpretations...The creative team led by director Alberto Bonilla have delivered a crisp, modern version complete with computers and electric guitars."
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