The Judas Kiss NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (89)
See it if great show//Talented cast that tells a fascinating story.
Don't see it if you don't like semi biographic plays...
See it if You are a Rupert Everett fan, he becomes Oscar Wilde. See it for a great cast, and naked guys who look really good. Homo erotic theme.
Don't see it if You don't know who Oscar Wilde is, or if you are homophobic.
See it if You're a fan of Rupert Everett, Oscar Wilde, and/or historical dramas.
Don't see it if You don't like talky, verbose plays that can border on tedious.
See it if You like witty dialogue.
Don't see it if You don't like homosexual themes.
See it if you want to see a fictionalized account of how Oscar Wilde spent time post-jail. and/or you want to see an unrecognizable Rupert Everett!
Don't see it if you dislike Oscar Wilde, LGBT themes, nekkidness, and/or plays without a lot of physical action.
See it if you would like to see a masterful performance by Rupert Everett, and you appreciate witty dialogue and little action
Don't see it if you don't like talky plays, and you are more interested in the trial of Oscar Wilde then his relationship that led to his prosecution
See it if you want to see a great performance from Rupert Everett, you like Oscar Wilde, you're interested in history, or LGBT subject matter.
Don't see it if you're looking for something short and fluffy
See it if you are a Wilde fan (who isn't?). Everett is riveting. The play is slow, but is solid. Intelligent and witty. Even touching. Sophisticated.
Don't see it if you prefer experimental works; this is an old-fashioned charmer. Very talky; little movement. Gratuitous nudity for spice. Many white males!
Critic Reviews (37)
"Everett's performance is about all 'The Judas Kiss' has going for it…Hare's play is a static, talky affair that tells much more than it shows, and that never really allows us to understand the central relationship…This revival does itself no favors by attempting to fill the cavernous Harvey Theatre space…Instead of making a case that 'The Judas Kiss' is one of Hare's least appreciated plays, this revival mostly just makes it seem very confused and dated."
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"Rupert Everett’s performance is superb, not to be missed, though a little rushed in the first act…Bosie played by Charlie Rowe, is channeling the spirit of his character, excellent in his portrayal of this well-spoken and egotistic young man…For the most part, David Hare has done a wonderful job portraying these historic figures in 'The Judas Kiss,' while director Neil Armfield has fleshed out their frailties and strengths successfully."
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"Everett is so downright wonderful, with a witty delivery that feels utterly authentic, that it is impossible for even a moment to doubt that he is the living incarnation of Wilde himself...Hare’s writing and Armfield’s direction keep the dramatic tension high, but also maintain enough comic moments and witticisms to make the heartbreaking moments even more biting."
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"The current production of 'The Judas Kiss' is marvelous and must be seen by all…Rupert Everett is giving the performance of a lifetime as Wilde…The entire cast is delightful but the show belongs to Everett. The production is brilliantly directed by Neil Armfield and exquisitely designed by Dale Ferguson. The text itself is remarkable. Written by David Hare - the play is perfectly paced, highly engaging, and never drags. If you love theatre, this is a play you mustn't miss."
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"An intelligent, beautifully written play…Witty as one might expect, the play is also as gripping as a thriller as we watch a great man see his life head unswervingly toward disaster…Director Neil Armfield has chosen an ideal cast for the production. Rupert Everett plays Wilde as if the role had been written for him. Everett’s slightest gesture, pause or change of intonation is laden with meaning…For any lover of the theatre and superlative acting, 'The Judas Kiss' is a must-see."
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"In a lesser production it could easily become draggy. But Armfield directs with a keen attention to pace and tension...What most distinguishes this production is Everett’s total emotional and intellectual presence…Everett’s performance embodies the paradox that comes from viewing great tragedy: as your heart breaks for his character you cannot but be inspired by the talent it takes to bring this feat of emotional complexity to life. This one’s not to be missed."
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"Everett is a wondrous sight to behold as Oscar Wilde…Everett has been the force behind this revival and in the process he’s revealed it to be an emotionally rich drama illuminated by Hare’s customary insight and humanity. It’s also beautifully written…It’s near-impossible to separate Wilde’s real words from those Hare puts in his mouth. Neil Armfield has crafted an elegant production…This is a rich and revealing performance."
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"It’s an ideal match of talents…The play is often laugh-out-loud funny. It is also surprisingly affecting. Everett brings Wilde to life as an endearing and unusually kind character, rapier wit notwithstanding; still, he seems quietly resigned to his fate at all times...Everett is wigged and padded to look uncannily like Wilde. His performance is astonishing, and fans of Oscar Wilde’s work (or of Everett) won’t want to miss the actor in this role."
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