Merchant of Venice (Hamlet Isn't Dead) NYC Reviews and Tickets

86%

(24 Reviews)

Positive

92%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Great acting, Entertaining, Delightful, Clever, Funny

About the Show

Hamlet Isn't Dead presents one of Shakespeare's most problematic plays in a streamlined production that highlights the strength of love, both romantic and familial, old and new.

Watch as young lovers overcome the boundaries of religion, tradition, and the constraints of gender in their quest for true love. With live music and a heartfelt message, this is a thrilling classic the whole family can enjoy. Hamlet Isn't Dead's mission is to produce the complete canon of William Shakespeare in chronological order. 'The Merchant of Venice' marks No. 13.

Member Reviews (24)

Absorbing, Ambitious, Great singing, Intense, Thought-provoking

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

100

Refreshing, Must see, Entertaining, Delightful, Absorbing

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

Clever, Indulgent, Quirky, Romantic, Must see

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.

Confusing

See it if N

Don't see it if N

Entertaining, Funny, Great acting, Quirky, Refreshing

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

During previews

Delightful, Great singing, Quirky, Romantic, Entertaining

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.

During previews

Delightful, Entertaining, Funny, Great acting, Great singing

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.

During previews

Indulgent, Quirky, Intelligent, Unusual "lighthearted" approach which mostly works but for the too bombastic acting style.

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.

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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