Tony-nominated theatre luminary Austin Pendleton directs and adapts a new stage version of Richard III, Shakespeare’s greatest villain, which combines text from 'Henry VI, Part 3' and 'Richard III.' More…
With the two texts combined, 'Wars of the Roses: Henry VI & Richard III' explores how Richard III evolved and the events that shaped his tyranny. In the text of 'Henry VI, Part 3,' Richard performs the role of a subjugated good brother while secretly behaving with bloodthirsty abandon. Killing Henry, Richard then declares himself severed from his family and brotherhood and stands alone in his quest for the crown. In the text of 'Richard III,' he is now the central character of the play stopping at nothing to become king, while keeping his subjects and rivals under his thumb.
See it if you are looking to see how Shakespeare treats Richard II over the course of two of his plays. The acting is first rate throughout
Don't see it if you are not a fan of the History plays. This one is not full of the beautiful phrases you find in the other plays.
Also It helps to have a working knowledge of English history before going t... Read more Read less
See it if you love Shakespeare's history plays even when they're cut so close to the bone, they're much harder-than-usual to follow.
Don't see it if you dislike over-acting, missed lines, banal direction, and a cast more like high school than off-Broadway.
See it if You follow Austin Pendleton anywhere. Shakespeare lover who needs a fix of any kind.
Don't see it if Not particularly interested in WS or a three hour sit in the dead of summer. Inconvenient venue.
Also This is not a must see. It felt more like a staid workshop than a prod... Read more Read less
See it if (for Richard III) you want be exhausted at the intense, raw, emotional, and intimate production of a Shakespeare masterpiece. Don't miss it!
Don't see it if you know you don't like 3-hr long Shakespeare plays. If you're in a real bad family situation...because this is all about BAD families.
Also Loved the actors who played Margaret, Clarence, & (of course) Richard ... Read more Read less
See it if Very well done. Exceptional acting.
Don't see it if You do not want to think at the theater.
See it if An incredible cast with tour de force performances from all of the major players. Richard, Elizabeth, Margaret with fine supporting players
Don't see it if You can't follow fast paced Elizabethan language or the history plays are beyond your comprehension
See it if This is a small off-broadway theater experience with the ambition and heart of a feature film studio.
Don't see it if If you can't keep up with Shakespearean lore, just realize the root of this retelling is based on Richard III’s inhibited rage.