‘Richard II’: Michael Urie as Bard’s quirky king

‘RICHARD II’: (left to right) Emily Swallow, David Mattar Merten, Grantham Coleman, Michael Urie & Lux Pascal. Photo: Carol Rosegg.

RICHARD II
By William Shakespeare
Directed & adapted by Craig Baldwin
Through December 21, 2025
Red Bull Theater
at Astor Place Theatre
434 Lafayette St.
https://www.redbulltheater.com

By Scott Harrah

Shakespeare’s classics are often revived in some newfangled form on the American stage. For instance, from the late Glenda Jackson playing the titular role in a misguided, gender-bending King Lear in 2019 to an equally ill-conceived one-man Macbeth starring Alan Cumming on Broadway in 2013, the Bard’s works are frequently updated to attract new audiences. However, director Craig Baldwin’s Off-Broadway iteration of Richard II introduces two refreshing twists: the setting shifts from the 1300s to 1980s Britain, and King Richard becomes a flamboyant gay man, portrayed by the always-outstanding Michael Urie.

This reviewer is rarely a fan of “modernized” Shakespeare because classics work best when performed as written. Otherwise, the richness of Shakespeare’s language and narrative can get lost amid flashy gimmickry. Even so, two modernized adaptations have succeeded in the past 15 years: the 2010 Broadway revival of The Merchant of Venice, starring Al Pacino as Shylock, and now Mr. Baldwin’s Richard II. While Mr. Pacino brought dignity to Shylock, Mr. Urie brings his trademark comic timing and sharp wit to Shakespeare’s egotistical, self-destructive monarch.

Richard the Rebel

This is a stylish reimagining of Richard II, with an ‘80s-inspired set by Arnulfo Maldonado. Mr. Urie plays the doomed monarch whose inflated ego leads to his downfall. When Richard seizes the inheritance of his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke (Grantham Coleman), he ignites a chain of betrayal and rebellion that forces him to confront his own loss of power and identity.

1980s decadence & excess

Mr. Maldonado’s design reimagines the royal court as a sleek 1980s Manhattan boardroom, complete with sharp suits, minimalist décor, and an interviewer (Sarin Monae West) who channels Grace Jones. Meanwhile, snippets of Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams” and other new-wave hits reinforce the era’s excess and vanity. The result is a clever concept that turns Richard’s deposition into a corporate coup rather than a medieval revolt. Admittedly, some choices—like the bathhouse scene or Richard’s affair with Aumerle (David Mattar Merten)—veer toward camp, yet they fit this production’s aesthetic.

Cast standouts

Not everything works here, but there’s plenty of fine acting onstage. Ron Canada, in multiple roles (especially as John of Gaunt), delivers one of the evening’s strongest performances, with precise phrasing and a masterful command of Shakespeare’s dialogue.

Grantham Coleman, as Richard’s rival and cousin Henry Bolingbroke, brings understated determination that contrasts beautifully with Richard’s theatrical volatility.

Michael Urie has a blast portraying Richard as an entertaining narcissist. Yet beneath the humor, he reveals the character’s tragic vulnerability, proving how effortlessly he can balance comedy with gravitas. His performance is campy enough to amuse, but grounded enough to make the downfall sting.

Accessible & entertaining

Purists may not embrace this Richard II, yet Mr. Baldwin has created a visually dynamic, thematically relevant version that speaks to modern politics and power struggles. Ultimately, his production makes Shakespeare’s complex history play accessible, entertaining, and unexpectedly poignant—a triumph of bold direction and fearless performance.

Published November 10, 2025
Reviewed at press performance on November 8, 2025

‘RICHARD II’: (left to right) Ron Canada, Grantham Cole & Michael Urie. Photo: Carol Rosegg.

‘RICHARD II’: (left to right) Kathryn Meisle, Ron Canada, Michael Uriie & Lux Pascal. Photo: Carol Rosegg.

‘RICHARD II’: Sarin Monae West, James Seol & Daniel Stewart Sherman. Photo: Carol Rosegg.

‘RICHARD II’: Sarin Monae West, Lux Pascal, Michael Urie, David Mattar Merten, Ryan Spahn & James Seol. Photo: Carol Rosegg.

‘RICHARD II’: Michael Urie & David Mattar Merten. Photo: Carol Rosegg.

‘RICHARD II’: Michael Urie. Photo: Carol Rosegg.

‘RICHARD II’: Grantham Coleman & Michael Urie. Photo: Carol Rosegg.