"Compelling but patchy...The good news about the de-emphasis on production values is that the acting, much of it outstanding, comes to the fore...The overall sympathy-stirring, character-driven approach to the material generally works, but there are bits of plot that get lost in the poor-Richard arc...Whether or not you buy Pendleton's interpretation, it's thoughtfully constructed and performed."
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“Frills are not the attraction in Ruth Stage's ‘Wars of the Roses’...Despite its length, the proceedings can seem a bit rushed, as the play quickly jumps to its major plot points. But there is some especially memorable scene work...A stirring highlight is the matchup between Richard and Leister’s commanding Queen Elizabeth...Though the production has the feel of a workshop...’Wars of the Roses’ can be enjoyed for its ambition and fine work by its ensemble.”
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“This unusual mash-up takes two major risks -- one textual and one having to do with interpretation. Neither pays off... it's hard to escape the feeling of having walked in more than halfway through the story; sorting out the characters can be even more difficult than usual...These sweeping chronicles have been trimmed back to the point of being made into closet drama...In general, a listless production that never gains anything in the way of dramatic momentum."
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"Here’s a three-hour production with intermission that, as it passes, feels like nothing less than three hours and perhaps several minutes more...While the cast members emote, the war(s) supposedly waged seem too often to be with the lines rather than with the English combatants...From time to time, however, an actor—perhaps coaxed by directors Pendleton and Peter Bloch, or perhaps emerging from individual instincts—lifts the general tedium."
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“The spirit of Martin Scorsese looms over de Rogatis’ thrilling, slightly urban and gleefully neurotic portrayal of Richard III...Rogatis is perfection...Pendleton’s concept to adapt and combine portions of...’Henry VI, Part 3’ with ‘Richard III’ is intriguing and textually successful...Though not the most brilliant work of theater, ‘Wars of the Roses: Henry VI & Richard III’ is faithful to Shakespeare, has integrity, novelty and enough superior performances to make it an overall pleasurable event.”
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“An epic but lackluster production...What should distinguish ‘Richard III’ from the colorful but plot-heavy ‘Henry VI’ plays is Richard himself...Here, there’s barely a discernible difference between de Rogatis’ Richard when he’s alone, confiding in the audience and when he’s deceiving anyone who stands in his way...The staging...often feels more like a series of acting class exercises than a production with a coherent vision."
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"Austin Pendleton successfully combines two Shakespearean plays in 'Wars of the Roses: Henry VI & Richard III,' bringing the best of actor’s theater to the stage. With Austin Pendleton’s direction, the company is completely engaged in the moment. Each persistent beat finds its strength through conflict...The scene between Richard III and Queen Elizabeth, played by Matt de Rogatis and Johanna Leister, is particularly potent, and the tête-à-tête toward the end of the play is not to be missed."
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“If...you are like me and can appreciate how the naked word can resonate with intense power...then you have come to the right show...If Shakespeare himself could see what Pendleton did with his original characters, he might have even asked himself: ‘How come I didn’t think of it?’ From a playwriting/directorial point of view, ‘War of the Roses’ is a winner; and for those who just want to enjoy a good thriller, this play will definitely keep them on the edge of their seat.”
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