Merchant of Venice (Hamlet Isn't Dead) NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (24)
See it if you enjoy Shakespeare with a somewhat modern take and the humor magnified. & Mumford and Sons music!
Don't see it if you prefer your Shakespeare untampered with and are a purist. Read more
See it if You're looking for a fresh, modern twist on a classic and you don't mind a healthy dose of 21st century influence and music thrown in.
Don't see it if You aren't open-minded about the bard's work being adjusted and are a Shakespeare purist or if small, intimate theater doesn't work for you. Read more
See it if N
Don't see it if N
See it if You love Shakespeare and want to see a modern-day version of his work; if you appreciate Old English plays
Don't see it if If you find Shakespeare boring or if you are looking for a musical.
See it if Merchant as it should be: comedic at heart with some serious bits. Standout performances by Shylock, Antonio, and Portia.
Don't see it if If you hate to laugh and like stuffy theatre
See it if Like Shakespeare, like unconventional innovative theater!
Don't see it if hate Shakespeare
See it if You want to enjoy comedic Shakesphere. Enjoy grassroots theater production. Great acting and music
Don't see it if You are looking for standard drama. Do want an exciting new Shakesphere or unique setting Read more
See it if you like Shakespeare with a slightly different approach (a somewhat condensed musical version) in a very intimate setting.
Don't see it if you only like pure Shakespeare or you do not want to interact with the actors. Read more
Critic Reviews (2)
"An entertaining musical portrayal of this overdone story...It felt like the audience helped decide what was going to happen next in the plot! For this, the director should truly be commended. This production is not bogged down with set, lights, or props. It is purely about the relationship of the characters to one another and to the audience. It is basic and beautiful...Some actors were more comfortable with the language than others, but with what some lacked others made up for."
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"This ‘Merchant’ marks the first time I was able to watch without getting angry, and actually enjoy the story and its players…The answer to how Laws achieves this feat lies not only in his confident and playful staging, but in the judicious cuts made to the text. Most significant among these cuts are the grotesque extremes around the problem of Shylock...I do wonder, with the nastiness cut out, if it is still the same play. Honestly, though, I prefer this version."
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