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 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.
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Don't see it if N
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 You want a contemporary "Merchant", edited in favor of the romantic themes of love & mercy w/less of the uncomfortable problem elements.
Don't see it if You prefer the traditional interpretation of "Merchant" & want all the problems & not-so happy resolutions.
See it if You like anything Shakespeare and like it with a twist. You want to laugh. You want to root for the good "guys". You like love stories.
Don't see it if You don't like simple staging. You don't want to hear good music and singing. You want traditional Shakespeare. You don't want to laugh.
See it if You like Shakespeare, know this play, and are open to a youthful but not really updated version. The language remains peerless, so go.
Don't see it if You dislike Shakespeare or are totally against anyone "messing with" the immortal Bard.
"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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An anecdotal solo show from comedian Alex Edelman.
Michael R. Jackson’s Tony Award-winning new musical about a young artist grappling with identity.
Alex Lawther stars in director Robert Icke's acclaimed production of Shakespeare's tragedy.