The Jewish King Lear NYC Reviews and Tickets
Member Reviews (11)
See it if you'd like to see a smartly revived classic of Yiddish theater (in crisply translated English) or just want to see a warmhearted show!
Don't see it if you have no tolerance for customs, music, dance, ideas that are probably different from those you grew up with. Read more
See it if you enjoy a powerful drama about a Jewish family with the father making many of the mistakes of King Lear. Great writing and acting.
Don't see it if you like comedy. This is a drama about family members and all emotions are bared. Read more
Critic Reviews (3)
"If you have any interest in the history of this theatrical form, a visit is indicated...Gordin certainly knew how to write scenes...Until the fourth, and final, act, when a ludicrously imposed happy ending elicited audience giggles, 'The Jewish King Lear' is a gripping, full-throated melodrama with much to say about the characters' way of life...This is another reminder that the Yiddish theatre was once a hugely lively piece of New York life, and, as such, is well worth a visit."
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"The magnificent production directed by Ed Chemaly should help restore interest in this variation on Shakespeare's tragedy. Excellently cast, it suggests 19th century Yiddish theater at the same time as having the actors speaking in English in the 21st century. Joel Leffert in the title role commands the stage at all times in a bigger than life performance."
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"It is a gem...The production is well-cast throughout and convincingly acted. It may be argued that several of the actors, strain their acting muscles too much. But I think their parts...warrant some over-the-top moments, and the play itself lends itself to grand gestures...Gay's translation seems modern and not the least bit precious. It has poetic feeling, humor, sharp intelligence, and vigor...This is a rarely produced one so catch it now—or catch it never."
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