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Farinelli and the King 2017

Ages: 6+
Opened: December 17, 2017
Closing: March 25, 2018

Farinelli and the King - 2017 Broadway History , Info & More

Belasco Theatre (Broadway)
111 West 44th St. New York, NY

Oscar and three-time Tony winner MARK RYLANCE "proves again that he is one of the great actors of our age" (Time Out London) in FARINELLI AND THE KING, coming to Broadway following sold-out runs at Shakespeare's Globe and on London's West End. Written by Claire van Kampen and directed by John Dove, this captivating new play "celebrates the restorative power of music and how it can transform us" (The Telegraph).

FARINELLI AND THE KING is inspired by the fascinating true story of Philippe V (Rylance), a Spanish monarch on the brink of madness who finds unexpected solace in the voice of world-renowned castrato, Farinelli. Soon, Farinelli and the King forge a powerful connection, and the celebrated singer must make a difficult choice: return to throngs of adoring fans or perform forever for an audience of one.

Rylance leads an acclaimed cast, including countertenor Iestyn Davies, who "sings with rapturous virtuosity and uncanny beauty" (Independent) throughout the play. Like Broadway's Twelfth Night and Richard III, this contemporary work is presented in the signature style of Shakespeare's Globe - traditional baroque instruments are performed live in a gallery above the stage; the audience enjoys intimate seating with several rows onstage; and the story is told by candlelight, creating an enchanting theatergoing experience and "a pleasure that verges on the sublime" (The Guardian).


Farinelli and the King - 2017 - Broadway Cast

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PREVIEW Farinelli and the King - 2017 - Broadway

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Farinelli and the King

Farinelli and the King
6 / 10

Davies's singing provides most of the high notes in this otherwise workmanlike play. The nature of the central musical therapy is barely explored; instead, we get contrived court intrigue, low comedy about English theater, a rushed quasiromance and an equally hasty coda, delivered in a steady march of flat-footed exposition. 'I'm telling you this as the King's chief minister,' says the King's chief minister. 'As the King's doctor, I am of the opinion that the King's illness has turned,' says the King's doctor. 'As the King's second wife I am unpopular,' says the queen (a bland Melody Grove). The pleasures of John Dove's production-the music, Rylance's halting propulsion, Jonathan Fensom's sumptuous sets and costumes-gleam to no purpose, real jewels glued to a trinket crown.

'Farinelli and the King': Theater Review
8 / 10

Unlike in Alan Bennett's play The Madness of George III, and its film adaptation, the deteriorating mental health of a monarch here doesn't constitute a sustaining narrative arc, even if Rylance's commanding performance remains the center of attention. (It's certainly the main reason for the production's Broadway transfer.) The more interesting thread is the motivation of Farinelli to keep extending his stay in Madrid, his love for Isabella becoming a contributing factor, and his refusal ever to sing in public again.

Simon Jones Joins The Cast Of FARINELLI AND THE KING On January 9
by Stephi Wild - December 27, 2017


Simon Jones (The Real Thing, Benefactors), will join the cast of the Shakespeare's Globe production of FARINELLI AND THE KING on Tuesday, January 9, playing the role of opera impresario John Rich. Colin Hurley, who was scheduled for a limited run in the role, will play his final performance as John Rich on Sunday, January 7.

Olde is New Again: FARINELLI AND THE KING and A Recent History of New Works at Shakespeare's Globe
by A.A. Cristi - December 20, 2017


The critically acclaimed Shakespeare's Globe production of Farinelli and the King, a new play by Claire van Kempen, starring three-time Tony and Academy Award-winner Mark Rylance, opened this week at Broadway's Belasco Theatre.

TV: Mark Rylance & Company Celebrate Opening Night of FARINELLI AND THE KING
by TV - Opening Night Special - December 18, 2017


The critically acclaimed Shakespeare's Globe production of Farinelli and the King, starring three-time Tony Award-winner (Twelfth Night, Jerusalem, Boeing-Boeing) and Academy Award-winner (Bridge of Spies) Mark Rylance, opened last night, December 17, 2017 at Broadway's Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street). The production plays a strictly limited engagement for 16 weeks only through Sunday, March 25, 2018.

Photo Coverage: On the Red Carpet at Opening Night of FARINELLI AND THE KING
by Walter McBride - December 18, 2017


The critically acclaimed Shakespeare's Globe production of Farinelli and the King, starring three-time Tony Award-winner (Twelfth Night, Jerusalem, Boeing-Boeing) and Academy Award-winner (Bridge of Spies) Mark Rylance, opened last night, December 17, 2017 at Broadway's Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street). The production plays a strictly limited engagement for 16 weeks only through Sunday, March 25, 2018. BroadwayWorld attended the opening night and you can check out photos from the red carpet arrivals here!

Photo Coverage: Inside FARINELLI AND THE KING's Opening Night Cast Party
by Walter McBride - December 18, 2017


The critically acclaimed Shakespeare's Globe production of Farinelli and the King, starring three-time Tony Award-winner (Twelfth Night, Jerusalem, Boeing-Boeing) and Academy Award-winner (Bridge of Spies) Mark Rylance, opened last night, December 17, 2017 at Broadway's Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street). The production plays a strictly limited engagement for 16 weeks only through Sunday, March 25, 2018. BroadwayWorld attended the opening night cast party and you can check out photos here!

Photo Coverage: Inside FARINELLI AND THE KING's Opening Night Curtain Call
by Walter McBride - December 18, 2017


The critically acclaimed Shakespeare's Globe production of Farinelli and the King, starring three-time Tony Award-winner (Twelfth Night, Jerusalem, Boeing-Boeing) and Academy Award-winner (Bridge of Spies) Mark Rylance, opened last night, December 17, 2017 at Broadway's Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street). The production plays a strictly limited engagement for 16 weeks only through Sunday, March 25, 2018. BroadwayWorld attended opening night and you can check out photos from the show's opening night curtain call below!

BWW Review: Mark Rylance Returns To Broadway in Unamplified and Candlelit FARINELLI AND THE KING
by Michael Dale - December 18, 2017


Fans of trained actors filling Broadway houses with the richness of their unamplified voices (not to mention those who believe electric lights are overrated) have reason to rejoice. Shakespeare's Globe, the British theatre company that in 2014 arrived on Broadway with their productions of TWELFTH NIGHT and RICHARD III that replicated Elizabethan theatre technological, is back in town with a new play that is also witnessed solely by candlelight and graced with actors who project.

Review Roundup: FARINELLI AND THE KING Arrives on Broadway with Mark Rylance - All the Reviews!
by Nicole Rosky - December 17, 2017


Shakespeare's Globe production of Farinelli and the King, starring three-time Tony Award winner and Academy Award winner Mark Rylance opens tonight, December 17, at Broadway's Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street).

Mark Rylance-Led FARINELLI AND THE KING Begins Tonight on Broadway
by BWW News Desk - December 5, 2017


The critically acclaimed Shakespeare's Globe production of Farinelli and the King, starring three-time Tony Award-winner (Twelfth Night, Jerusalem, Boeing-Boeing) and Academy Award-winner (Bridge of Spies) Mark Rylance, begins tonight, December 5, 2017 in advance of an opening night on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at Broadway's Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street).

Rush Policy Announced For FARINELLI AND THE KING
by Stephi Wild - December 4, 2017


Producers Sonia Friedman Productions, Shakespeare's Globe and Paula Marie Black announce a daily rush policy for the Shakespeare's Globe production of FARINELLI AND THE KING, starring three-time Tony Award winner and Academy Award winner Mark Rylance. Previews begin tomorrow night, Tuesday, December 5, at Broadway's Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street).

Meet the Royal Company of FARINELLI AND THE KING, Opening Tonight on Broadway
by Meet the Cast - December 17, 2017


The critically acclaimed Shakespeare's Globe production of Farinelli and the King, starring three-time Tony Award-winner (Twelfth Night, Jerusalem, Boeing-Boeing) and Academy Award-winner (Bridge of Spies) Mark Rylance, opens tonight, December 17, 2017 at Broadway's Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street). The production plays a strictly limited engagement for 16 weeks only through Sunday, March 25, 2018. Scroll down to learn more about the company, plus watch a trailer for the show!

FARINELLI AND THE KING Will Offer On-Stage Seating at the Belasco Theatre
by Nicole Rosky - October 26, 2017


On-stage seating for the Shakespeare's Globe production of FARINELLI AND THE KING, starring three-time Tony Award winner and Academy Award winner Mark Rylance, will go on sale on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at 10:00 AM.The Belasco Theatre will be transformed for this beguiling and transporting production, lit almost exclusively by the glow of candlelight and with live music played on Baroque instruments. Theatregoers who choose on-stage seats, in the upper gallery and at stage level ($32-$157) will have an authentic, up close and intimate viewing experience. These tickets will be available for purchase at Telecharge.com and at the Belasco Theatre box office (111 West 44th Street).

Cast Complete for Mark Rylance-Led FARINELLI AND THE KING on Broadway
by BWW News Desk - September 6, 2017


Producers Sonia Friedman, Shakespeare's Globe and Paula Marie Blackare have announced complete casting for the critically acclaimed Shakespeare's Globe production of Farinelli and the King, starring three-time Tony Award-winner (Twelfth Night, Jerusalem, Boeing-Boeing) and Academy Award-winner (Bridge of Spies) Mark Rylance.

Mark Rylance to Reign on Broadway in FARINELLI AND THE KING This Winter
by BWW News Desk - May 8, 2017


Mark Rylance, three-time Tony Award winner (Jerusalem, Boeing-Boeing, Twelfth Night) and Academy Award-winner (Bridge of Spies), will return to Broadway in the critically acclaimed Shakespeare's Globe production of FARINELLI AND THE KING, a new play with music by author and composer Claire van Kampen, it was announced today by producers Sonia Friedman, Shakespeare's Globe and Paula Marie Black.

Farinelli and the King History

Other Productions of Farinelli and the King

2017   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway

Farinelli and the King - 2017 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2018 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Costume Design for a Play Jonathan Fensom
2018 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Lighting Design for a Play Paul Russell
2018 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Wig and Hair Campbell Young Associates
2018 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Lighting Design Paul Russell
2018 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding New Broadway Play Farinelli and the King
2018 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Orchestrations Claire van Kampen
2018 Tony Awards Best Costume Design of a Play Jonathan Fensom
2018 Tony Awards Best Lighting Design of a Play Paul Russell
2018 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play Mark Rylance
2018 Tony Awards Best Play Claire van Kampen
2018 Tony Awards Best Scenic Design of a Play Jonathan Fensom

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