Twelfth Night (The Public Theater)

See it if Joyful theater that captures the essence of the original and adds a super score. Wonderful staging brings clarity to a complicated tale

Don't see it if you need Shakespeare to be Shakespearean. If you do not appreciate inclusive casting. If you prefer to be sad rather than happy.

See it if you want a lovely summer night spent watching theatre outdoors with a modern musical twist on Shakespeare

Don't see it if you're some sort of close minded Shakespearean purist

Also The actors, ensemble, and music are great, and they look like they're having an awesome time up there on stage- that was enough for my friend and I to have a great night in Central Park!... Read more Read less

See it if you love musical theater and can just let yourself have a fantastic evening under the stars at Shakespeare in the Park. Well done Shaina!

Don't see it if you don't like musical theater or adaptations. Enjoy the awesome community members are part of the cast (a huge number of them!)

See it if You want to see an innovative reimagining of one of Shakespeare’s great comedies. Huge ensemble. Great costumes, Excellent singing voices.

Don't see it if You demand Shakespeare in a traditional format and don’t like modernized versions

See it if you like community theater and party-like atmospheres for your shows. Nikki James is excellent and it's a bright colorful production...

Don't see it if it's also a mess. It was so busy and inconsistent that I often didn't know where to look and the acting ranged from great to amateurish

See it if You like outdoor theater with great music

Don't see it if You don't like musicals

See it if You love music, fun, colors, and diversity on stage!

Don't see it if You like period Shakespeare, or dislike musicals.

Also This was so beautiful-- the design elements were phenomenal. The lighting, set design, choreo all fit together perfectly. The music was the perfect blend of storytelling and feeling. Nikki M. James is a star. No complaints. Just absolutely stunning.... Read more Read less

See it if - You love inclusiveness! - For the bright, colorful design palettes - For the music inspired by the text! - Especially if you're deaf!

Don't see it if - You're easily distracted by weather - Bullying isn't a funny device for you - You'll be easily offended by the "originality" of the lyrics

Also Somehow we all forgot that Malvolio is bullied in this play. Unfortunately, this production doesn't handle it with the care and sensitivity of a modern perspective. All I'm saying is: they didn't have to tip him over in the porta-potty.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy a modest but thoroughly joyful evening of musical theater.

Don't see it if you're looking for faithful adaptations of Shakespeare.

See it if If you love wonderful, outdoor musicals with talented people.

Don't see it if You are a traditionalist.

Also The opening onstage with the actors pre-show was great fun and really brings the audience into the show. The non-professional performers while energetic, did distract me as their skills weren't up to the task.... Read more Read less

See it if You’re a fan of Shakespeare in the Park. If you haven’t seen one of the dozen productions of this in the last few years.

Don't see it if You want to actually see Shakespeare or something reasonably close.

Also This production seems like a vehicle for Taub. When you involve community groups you risk the show feeling like community theatre. Sadly that’s how I felt. The principal players are good but they’re poorly directed, under used and take a backseat to Shaina Taub. The musical score while good feels loosely based on the play. What was most disappointing was the signing for the deaf. Seemed like an afterthought. Some of it was signed and some of it wasn’t. When it was signed the cast only signed a few words. Except for 1 song. Unfortunate. This show is entertaining based on live theatre, good singing, colorful costumes and watching the moon over New York City.... Read more Read less

See it if You wanna watch a Shakespeare musical

Don't see it if You love his language and want to hear all of it.