Chorus Member Joined: 12/27/17
Chorus Member Joined: 4/22/23
I don't know if you've heard this, but they canceled half of their first week's previews. There has been no official announcement as to why, but someone on Talkin' Broadway attended a preview in which an actor (not Urie, who had just begun Act Two) was removed on a stretcher. This was a Saturday matinee; the rest of it and the weekend's other previews were canceled.
TheOtherOne2 said: "I don't know if you've heard this, but they canceled half of their first week's previews. There has been no official announcement as to why, but someone on Talkin' Broadway attended a preview in which an actor (not Urie, who had just begun Act Two) was removed on a stretcher. This was a Saturday matinee; the rest of it and the weekend's other previews were canceled."
This explains why they suddenly have a new Thursday matinee scheduled for tomorrow. (11/6)
The Thursday matinee was always part of the schedule. But yeah, they canceled the first preview due to technical difficulties, and have canceled several since then. The production still appears to be on track to open as scheduled on Monday, though.
Is this a new text or is it using the original Shakespeare?
It's an adaptation by Craig Baldwin.
Appreciate that. This has just been off of my radar but I’m very interested, now.
I’m seeing this in a few weeks - I’ll see Urie in virtually anything and I’m glad he’s been able to carve out a nice, respectable theatre career.
Sidebar: Maybe I’m not looking hard enough, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen just a straightforward version of a Shakespeare play. Most of them have different directorial concepts and flair (which I honestly like because it helps brings out different layers).
quizking101 said: "I’m seeing this in a few weeks - I’ll see Urie in virtually anything and I’m glad he’s been able to carve out a nice, respectable theatre career.
Sidebar: Maybe I’m not looking hard enough, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen just a straightforward version of a Shakespeare play. Most of them have different directorial concepts and flair (which I honestly like because it helps brings out different layers)."
The Public was going to do it in the Park in 2020 with Andre Holland as Richard. Obviously that didn't happen because of COVID. Classic Stage Company did it in 2006 with Michael Cumpsty.
Jordan Catalano said: "Is this a new text or is it using the original Shakespeare?"
It's an adaptation but kept a lot of the original Shakespearean text. They combined some of the characters and changed some of the scene order and took some liberties but the hollow crown speech is intact.
Overall I liked it and hope to see it again after it opens.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/29/23
‘Richard II’ Review: Michael Urie Is a Cynical, Comic Monarch
Reviewed by their comedy critic.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/theater/richard-ii-review-michael-urie.html?unlocked_article_code=1.0U8.jiiU.EMsHK3XumzsB&smid=nytcore-android-share
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/27/19
Richard II: Michael Urie Plays Shakespeare’s Materialistic, Superficial King
By Melissa Rose Bernardo
November 10, 2025
★★★☆☆ Red Bull Theater sets the Bard's first Henriad play in the decade of decadence
https://nystagereview.com/2025/11/10/richard-ii-michael-urie-plays-shakespeares-materialistic-superficial-king/
Richard II: This Campy Breed, This England
By Bob Verini
November 10, 2025
★★☆☆☆ Michael Urie and entourage double down on facile gimmickry and leave Shakespeare behind
https://nystagereview.com/2025/11/10/richard-ii-this-campy-breed-this-england/
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/27/19
Theatermania
Review: Michael Urie in a Clear and Queer Richard II Off-Broadway
Urie stars in the Red Bull Theater production at the Astor Place Theatre.
https://www.theatermania.com/news/review-michael-urie-in-a-clear-and-queer-richard-ii-off-broadway_1811463/
Stand-by Joined: 4/4/20
4 out of 5 from The100WordReview…
https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ5TK-fkf5I/
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