Richard III (Bridge Production Group)
The Bridge Production Group presents its inaugural full-scale production, a modern, pop-culture-infused reinvention of Shakespeare's bloody epic about a tyrannical king's rise and fall.
'Richard III' is the violent finale to Shakespeare's 'War of the Roses' plays. In the style of Quentin Tarantino and Baz Luhrmann, and using 'American Psycho' and 'Dexter' for inspiration, this production stresses the fractured and bloody nature of deceit and betrayal through ensemble-driven storytelling, live music, movement, and a kinetic visual landscape.
- Official Site
- 2 hours and 45 minutes
- Already closed
- Fourth Street Theatre (East Village)
Cast & Creatives (20)
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Reviews (22)
5 Critics' Reviews
"Shaky performances and a hollow conceptual agenda render this production...a tiresome experience...There have been many acclaimed Shakespearean productions that have successfully been set in diverse time periods and that have employed unconventional approaches. This is not one of them...This production is so crammed with flashy digressions that haven’t been coherently integrated together that they overpower the story for no great effect." Full Review
“Heavily influenced in look and feel by last spring’s short-lived 'American Psycho' musical, it is an expressive, postured, and movement-oriented piece...With their bold first production, The Bridge Production Group has signaled an intent to produce challenging, ambitious theater. Their 'Richard III' is an enjoyable, if simplified and focused, take on a complex play, providing an accessible gateway to theatergoers. who might otherwise not be as likely to attend Shakespeare’s history plays.” Full Review
"One of the best off-Broadway Shakespeare productions I’ve seen of this play. At the very least, it’s the one that will be remembered the most for getting the tone right and matching it with incredible technical prowess...If you are a Shakespeare fan, don’t miss it if it comes back. If you love great technical aspects in your shows, don’t miss it. If you love well-done ensembles, don’t miss it. You know what? Just don’t miss it." Full Review
"Postmodern Shakespeare at its best. The result is nauseatingly affecting and not because of the frequent use of fake blood...Max Hunter’s directorial vision is frenetic and daringly unconventional...Hunter unites this visual feast with elegantly gory violence and devastatingly emotional performances...The entire cast is impressive in their stamina, committed to even the smallest moments. For a show presenting so much, it can become a little overwhelming to process." Full Review
"An eye-catching, attention-holding production that offers some highly creative and entertaining twists…Clever costuming, scenic design, lighting and projection complement a well-directed production…The acting is solid and committed, and the performers bring this difficult text alive and, I feel, capture the heart of the story with great energy and style. There are some spotty moments and choices, but this is a young cast attempting to connect with a young audience and it works." Full Review
17 Members' Reviews
See it if you loved the production design of last season's American Psycho on Broadway.
Don't see it if you prefer a traditional approach to Shakespeare.
See it if you'd like a modern, well staged Richard III mash-up; inventive, well-designed & lit, a fresh at times odd take on Richard but a great Anne.
Don't see it if you like your Shakespeare straight, don't like blood or violence, pop updates of classics – or need Richard to have a consistent limp .
Also There's more than a whiff of modernity for its own sake in this Richar... Read more Read less
See it if You enjoy seeing different versions of Shakespeare's plays. You want to support a theatre company just starting out in NY.
Don't see it if You want a more classical approach to Shakespeare. You want to see a more established theatre company take on the classics.
Also Don't be misled by the photo or show description on the show page. Whi... Read more Read less
See it if You like a slick new version of Shakespeare with song and dance and really cool stage.
Don't see it if You're not a fan of new innovative productions of Shakespeare
See it if you like-classics-Quentin Tarantino-multimedia productions-modern interpretations of dramatic classics
Don't see it if you want a-traditional Shakespeare/period piece. you don't like-plays depicting violence-Shakespearean classics infused with pop culture
See it if if you like updated takes on the Bard with bare staging and audience closeness - Actually found the hominess of the theatre a plus
Don't see it if If your more into traditional productions with lavish staging - Found the acting to be adequate but would define so so acting as adequate
See it if You really like this play and also enjoy youthful, creative adaptations
Don't see it if Your standards are higher than " just ok." I enjoyed it but I'm nuts for the Bard
See it if you love the show and are interested in seeing a good cast.
Don't see it if you enjoy more mainstream or you have seen a more than a few shows off-broadway.
See it if You want to experience an American Psycho-esque reimage of Richard III with musical moments and a predominantly young cast.
Don't see it if You want a traditional take on the show with an entirely age appropriated cast it don't want abstractions at some points.
See it if You enjoy old works presented in new ways, like to be surprised, enjoy Shakespeare delivered in original language
Don't see it if If you are expecting a classic staging of this work, are squeamish or prudish, so not enjoy plays that take risk with the material
See it if for a unique interpretation–strobe lights, rock music, choreographed murder and fight scenes! Portrayal of Richard is fantastic and amusing.
Don't see it if you're a Shakespeare traditionalist or hate modern takes on his plays. You dislike violence, fake blood, or hazmat suits.
Also If you haven't read Richard III before, you may find it difficult to f... Read more Read less
See it if you don't mind modern staging of Shakespeare (too modern, maybe). You are tired of regular stagings and appreciate honest efforts to change.
Don't see it if you want to see a classical production with costumes and all and if you don't mind a direction that is all over the place (sometimes works).
See it if if you love Shakespeare and want to see one his most famous histories; or if you enjoy seeing creative updated interpretations of classics.
Don't see it if if you are very traditionalist and would not enjoy a modern pop-infused update of a classic Shakespeare play; if you can't tolerate violence
Also This was an interesting production: well-acted by a very competent cas... Read more Read less
See it if love shakespeare and dexter combined; and want to see great emerging acting and directing talent
Don't see it if aren't ready for some blood and gore and a great take on a shakespearean classic
See it if You're looking for an original, inventive take on a complicated Shakespearean tale with a rich history. The play is continually engaging.
Don't see it if You're not willing to see a modern take on Shakespeare.
See it if You want to have a fun night at the theater, see something creative and understand why Shakespeare was enjoyed so much by the people.
Don't see it if You only like straight, serious interpretations of Shakespeare and will be irritated by modern-day touches to it.