The Hysteria of Dr. Faustus NYC Reviews and Tickets

79%

(28 Reviews)

Positive

82%

Mixed

14%

Negative

Members say

Ambitious, Absorbing, Clever, Great acting, Entertaining

About the Show

The Seeing Place Theater kicks off its 9th Season with a world-premiere adaptation of one of the world's best known fables.

A modern take on the classic story, "The Hysteria of Dr. Faustus" explores the solemn pact made between the devil and a man who has nothing left to lose. The brand new play combines Marlowe and Goethe's enduring fables into a dark and magical modern parable, staged in an intimate setting in the East Village.

Member Reviews (28)

Ambitious, Entertaining, Desperately needs editing!, Absorbing, Clever

See it if An offbeat show with an intriguing plot line with some good twists and turns appeals to you. Good set and lighting design.

Don't see it if You’re not prepared to sit through a LONG play. There’s a great 90-120 minute play in the three hours you are presented with.

Clever, Ambitious, Entertaining, Slow, Great acting

See it if you want to be immersed into the story of Faust with a new take by a young cast. Lots done with a small set and good lighting.

Don't see it if you can't sit for a while as this production could be a light tighter.

Clever, Ambitious, Bloody, Witty, Well played

See it if you are interested in the long history of the tale of Dr. Faustus: this is a contemporary variant as morality tale for our times.

Don't see it if you do not like long plays that make you think, or plays that put ethical concerns on trial, or productions in a highly intimate space. Read more

Clever, Great acting, Entertaining, Absorbing

See it if Old tale in the new twist. Making a pack with the Devil is not all as it seems to be.

Don't see it if It is a little bit too long. And if the mention of God bothers you. Small theater, not the best seats to sit in. Read more

Quirky, Funny, Ambitious, Absorbing, Intense

See it if You want to see a play that will fit in nicely with Halloween around the corner. You want to support a great theatre company.

Don't see it if You dislike blood, visceral self-harm. You are a Goethe purist. (Do those exist? They must.) Read more

Entertaining, Good performances / cool video-projection, Perfectly claustrophobic venue / ok set, Intelligent (relevant) modern take on faust, Bit humorous / edgy & dark / ambitious

See it if you know the story & are prepared for a riveting contemporary take; enjoy good dramas & want to support small passionate theater companies.

Don't see it if you're too bougie for your own good & expect spit-shine polish every time you sit @ a live show, whether On, Off, Off-Off, or in a loft. Read more

Clever, Entertaining, Great staging, Great acting, Absorbing

See it if A talented relatable cast and rewrite breathes new life into the old tale in intimate surroundings.

Don't see it if You want a fully polished fable. This slightly ragged script tries hard to cover all bases.

Thought-provoking, Ambitious, Absorbing, Clever, Great acting

See it if You like intimate, intelligent theatre with great acting and a clever script.

Don't see it if You are looking for a big production or a 90 minute show.

Critic Reviews (1)

"Walker examines the famous story through contemporary eyes, while staying true to its origins and various interpretations...There are a few tangential plot elements that pull the play in too many directions and weaken its overall impact...A twenty-minute trim would sharpen things significantly...This play is well-worth seeing, and, more importantly, it represents the next great leap forward for this always-exciting company.”
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