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Synopsis: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…"; it was the French Revolution, against which Dickens' classic tale of vengeance, redemption, sacrifice — and love — comes to vivid life. Click here for tickets.
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Reviews
NEW YORK TIMES REVIEW:
"So much for all those satisfyingly cheap jokes a critic might have been making this morning about “A Tale of Two Cities," the lumpish musical adaptation of the beloved Charles Dickens novel, which opened on Thursday at the Al Hirschfeld Theater."
Click here to read the full A Tale of Two Cities review.
NEWSDAY REVIEW:
"A Tale of Two Cities" is a middling Masterpiece Musical, a paint-by-numbers throwback to the late - and, in this corner, unlamented - heyday of novelized epics on turntables. It has lots of nice period costumes and good actors singing their lungs inside out on material that all sounds the same."
Click here to read the full A Tale of Two Cities review.
AMNY REVIEW:
"The pre-Broadway buzz surrounding "A Tale of Two Cities" had nothing to do with Charles Dickens. Its lead actor, James Barbour, got caught up in a sticky, scandalous legal quagmire that we'd rather not describe yet again. But regardless of his controversial and criminal past, Barbour is the best asset of this otherwise awful musical."
Click here to read the full A Tale of Two Cities review.
BROADWAYSPACE REVIEW:
"With flags waving high, the thunder of timpani and a cast of 35 powerful voices staring off into the distance and singing that “it won’t be long until tomorrow is today,” fans of big, robust period costume musicals (a la Les Misérables and The Scarlet Pimpernel) are likely to be utterly enraptured with "A Tale of Two Cities". Borrowing more than a page from its lucrative predecessors, "Tale" succeeds as a rousing crowd-pleaser with vibrant harmonies, intricate lighting and an elaborate multi-level set."
Click here to read the full A Tale of Two Cities review.
USA TODAY REVIEW:
"Do you think Les Miserables stands as the greatest accomplishment in the history of musical theater? Would you argue that the musical version of Jane Eyre that plodded onto Broadway in 2000 never got the respect it deserved?"
Click here to read the full A Tale of Two Cities review.
THEATERMANIA REVIEW:
"When word got around that daily changes were being made to the new tuner A Tale of Two Cities, a waggish friend of mine said, "Maybe they're adding a third city." They haven't, but first-time composer-lyricist-librettist Jill Santoriello and her colleagues still needed to do something radical to raise their blatant attempt at cloningLes Miserables above the level of Anglo-Gallic mediocrity that now appears on the stage of the Al Hirschfeld Theatre."
Click here to read the full A Tale of Two Cities review.
ASSOCIATED PRESS REVIEW:
"Haven't we been here before? And in much better crafted company?."
Click here to read the full A Tale of Two Cities review.
NY1 REVIEW:
"The similarities between the new musical “A Tale of Two Cities” and "Les Miserables" are unmistakable. From the moment the first chords are struck, you may get the sense you've heard it all before."
Click here to read the full A Tale of Two Cities review.
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Cirtics 0 -Audience 10 Reviewed by: ID 2008-10-20
Wow! This show has everything- plot (Thanks to Dickens),original music,wonderful costumes, a clever set,a full orchestra and an unforgettable performance by James Barbour. A Broadway Musical and then some! Only thing lacking- sterling reviews from our friends at the major newspapers. What a shame. They must have seen another show. When the curtain came down after Mr. Barbour spoke Dickens'final words, "Its a far, far better thing...", the
audience was on their feet instantly!
Go, relax, enjoy. |
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A Must See Reviewed by: Amneris 2008-10-19 I had no desire to see the show. I went and I sat with my mouth dropped the entire show. The performances were top notch . James Barbour was absolutely incredible. Loved the costumes, the sets, the lights and the beautiful orchestrations. I am really sad to see it not doing so well. I think what this show needs it a good word of mouth. Also word of note: BRING TISSUES for Act 2. |
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A Tale for Everyone. Reviewed by: Donna 2008-10-19
Simply a wonderful night out.
I've seen Les Mis at least 10 times over a number of years. Les Mis is a cat and mouse chase musical, very dark costumes, dark staging, little humor, and dead people even come back to life to sing...
Tale is a simply a well put together smooth, captivating show. Sophicated but not snobby (maybe that is why the critics and been so relentless). Tale is very funny at times, contrasted by serious search to make a life count for something. The journey is fabulous. A show with a positive message.
Definately a show for the whole family. My children loved it and we are going back. |
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GO AND SEE- WHAT A SHOW Reviewed by: Valerie 2008-10-19
I was very impressed with this show. The acting was top notch and the singing was superb! I have now seen many Broadway shows and have to say this one is at the top of my list for favorites. Make time to go and see it as you won't be disappointed. Be ready to laugh and cry and at the end you will be standing up applauding. This one gets my standing ovation!!! |
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Les Who????? Tale Triumphs!!!!!! Reviewed by: Robyn 2008-10-19
AMAZING!!!!!!! No, that is not a strong enough word. The play was magnificent, the singing was stupendous, the acting was colossal and the music was sweeping. James Barbour and Natalie Toro blow you out of your seat. Nick Wyman is hysterical (as is Mr. Barbour during his "acting" moments, when his smooth baritone is waiting to unleash its splendor).
My wife and I saw Les Miz over two dozen times. We were very upset when it left Broadway
. Well, all I can say now is "Les Who????" Tale of Two Cities not only meets, but exceeds the only other memorable old France (they are not both French Revoloution, a common misunderstanding) type musical. Considering how long Les Mis ran, not only will my young children get to enjoy "Tale," but so will their infant cousins.
THANK YOU TALE OF TWO CITIES. Where have you been?!?!?!?!? |
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Enchanting. Reviewed by: Bill 2008-10-19
We saw the show at the Asolo in Sarasota and thought it was brilliant. The music was magical as were the costumes, set and the entire production. The reviews since it opened in New York just don't give it justice. It is not an imitation of Les Miz and doesn't try to be. The only disappointing part was the ending which was a bit flat. Hopefully it was changed by the time it opened in New York. It is enchanting. A must see. |
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Mixed Reviewed by: Tom 2008-10-17 I had really mixed feelings about this. The novel is amazing and I wanted the show to take advantage of it. For the most part, however, it lacked the beauty and emotional weight that it could have and should have had. That said, they have an excellent cast, especially, as others have noted, James Barbour's Sydney Carton and Natalie Toro's fierce Madame DeFarge. (Also, they have the best stars (like points of light in the sky, not actors) that I've ever seen on stage.) |
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