Love's Labour's Lost (Gene Frankel Theatre) NYC Reviews and Tickets

66%

(30 Reviews)

Positive

47%

Mixed

37%

Negative

16%

Members say

Disappointing, Entertaining, Ambitious, Indulgent, Confusing

About the Show

Conspicuously poetic and teeming with flirtatious word play, Shakespeare’s frolicking love story moves to the summer of Woodstock, celebrating the romance and togetherness inherent in both.

From the show:

Just as the King of Navarre and his three cohorts sequester themselves and swear off women with a three-year vow of chastity, four remarkably beautiful women arrive as emissaries from France to meet with the King. Their plan derailed from the start, the men decide that divinity is, in fact, only found in the eye of a woman and love the only worthy study of mankind. Interspersed with the hits of the era from The Doors, Jackson Browne, Jesse Colin Young, and more—performed live by the cast—this LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST seamlessly blends Shakespeare’s immortal words with the unforgettable tunes that inspired a generation to live with love.

Member Reviews (30)

Uneven acting, Weird cuts, Unsuccessful concept, Disappointing

See it if you want to support cast members, who try hard. Two are truly talented. I like when music is integrated w WS's words, but this didn't gel.

Don't see it if you have reasonable standards for NYC WS prodns. Director's work is not worthy. Story isn't well told. But Berowne and Maria have futures.

Delightful, Great singing, Entertaining, Refreshing, Ambitious

See it if you relate to music of the mid-late 1960's so wonderfully woven into this Shakespeare tale to make it wildly accessible to new audiences.

Don't see it if you expect a traditional production of the Bard's work or do not appreciate small productions with young talent.

Fairly clear, Musical, Fun, Engaging

See it if you’d like to see a passably clear, engaging version of an infrequently performed Shakespeare comedy.

Don't see it if you have an aversion to pop music ca. 1964-69. Read more

Unprofessional, Confused, Excruciating, Insipid, Indulgent

See it if You want to support a company performing Shakespeare at a developmental, elementary level. You know someone involved in the production.

Don't see it if You prefer a more classically trained Shakespeare company. You want Shakespeare acted, not just recited. You want choices that make sense. Read more

Unfocused direction, Young, uneven, aspiring cast, Fun, Energetic, Ambitious

See it if You’d like to support and encourage a very young, game and eager cast, a mixed bag with lots of theatre & Shakespeare debuts.

Don't see it if You’re expecting a solid pro and experienced production. This is very much an amateur deal, in the best sense of the word: loving the work. Read more

Great writing, Great singing, Great acting, Funny, Delightful

See it if you love Shakespearean comedy and Woodstock era rock and the combination makes your spirits soar, even if some dialog is unintelligible.

Don't see it if You can’t sit for 2 hrs. of difficult to comprehend Elizabethan English and sophomoric romantic and sexual actions, jokes, and references Read more

Entertaining for the wrong reasons

See it if curious what else can be done to poor Shakespeare

Don't see it if seeking cohesivness Read more

Indulgent, Quirky, Entertaining, Ambitious

See it if you want to support fine efforts by acting school students giving their all; enjoy quirky adaptations & sets (Woodstock & music elements).

Don't see it if you're not ready to focus 100% to absorb the text in verse—I wasn't & left at break. You want a polished production, sets, venue & ensemble.

Trailer

Creative team