The Illusory Adventures of a Dreamer (FringeNYC) NYC Reviews and Tickets
Member Reviews (15)
See it if a show that might be a cross between Candide and Fellini's Satyricon (although merely R rated) appeals to you.
Don't see it if you're not fully in the Fringe spirit and can compromise a little on your expectations.
See it if You gay themes, good looking young guys, shows that move in time and space
Don't see it if A journey of sexual enlightenment and all that involves is not your thing.
Critic Reviews (5)
"'The Illusory Adventures of a Dreamer' would benefit from an occasional change of pace, and clarification of the different levels of consciousness the main character is in. The show also underlines how difficult it can be to find that perfect sweet spot of over-the-top campiness. But the play's structure is brilliant, and with some trimming of a few redundant parts, 'The Illusory Adventures of a Dreamer' could be a wonderful re-telling of a classic."
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"While Bradley retains the essence of Ibsen's story, he takes much creative license here…Bradley's Peer is gay and coming out creates a huge dilemma for him. As for the acting, it is uniformly good, with Taylor Turner well-cast as the shape-shifter Peer…It was invigorating to see this new take on the classic. While you won't see Peer eating the famous onion at the close of Bradley's play, you will find his protagonist psychologically layered and intriguing."
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"Michael Bradley’s retelling is a lean and mean fantasy-driven machine that captures the heart of Ibsen’s play in verse and–with the help of an outstanding cast–makes room for Peer’s particular search for his true sexual status amidst a plethora of naysayers and inhospitable oppugnants...Fischetti’s choreography is stunning...Mr. Goodrich’s efficient direction could be tighter at times (it is at intervals uneven) but overall serves the script with evidentiary warmth and support."
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"This modern, streamlined 'Peer Gynt' successfully evokes a timelessness that allows its disparate settings to all fit together...With next to no set and deliberately provocative costumes, this play draws on the power of storytelling, especially Peer's grandiose lies, to create the world...Sometimes plagued with an aimlessness that makes even this condensed 'Peer Gynt' feel longer than it needs to be...An entertaining experience that is as thought-provoking as it is provocative."
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"Michael Bradley’s clever and creative retelling of Ibsen’s 'Peer Gynt' takes us through the maddening and sensual adventure of a young man wrestling with himself. I’ll be honest. I’m always on the fence when it comes to a retelling because it is hit or miss. This is a hit. In an intense 90 minutes, this energetic and connected ensemble cast take us on Peer’s adventures...Kudos to Turner for turning out a lovely portrayal of Peer Gynt, the whole cast for moving seamlessly through characters."
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