La Bete Show Poster

La Bete Critics’ Reviews

The sold out London hit is now the toast of Broadway! The showdown between high and low brow is on in Broadway’s newest smash comedy about two radically-different playwrights and the princess who pits them against each other. What happens when an unstoppable mouth collides with an immovable artist? With once-in-a-lifetime performances from Mark Rylance, David Hyde Pierce, and Joanna Lumley, David Hirson’s La Bete proves that it's possible to be sophisticated and entertaining at the same time.

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About La Bete

What Is the Story of La Bete?
La Bete is set in a stunning palace in 17th century France, where Elomire, the intellectual head playwright of the castle’s resident acting troupe, is told by the court’s Princess that he must meet with Valere, a local clown the Princess discovered performing in the streets. She believes Valere would make a perfect addition to the acting troupe to help lighten their often overly dramatic works and provide more public appeal. Elomire is disgusted by the idiotic and often vulgar antics of Valere, whom he believes would ruin the troupe’s reputation should he join. The Princess is not pleased to hear Elomire’s contradictions and demands he give Valere a second chance to prove his talents. She then orders Valere to perform his own works in order to decide who should stay and who should go.
 

Reviews

critics reviews Critics’ Reviews (5)
A collection of our favorite reviews from professional news sources.
Entertainment Weekly

"In this exuberant and wily comedy, the issues are blog-post current. "

Entertainment Weekly

Lisa Schwarzbaum

Time Magazine

"The most daring and delightful play of the Broadway season. "

Time Magazine

Richard Zoglin

New York Magazine

"Uproarious. A masterpiece. A-grade entertainment. Mark Rylance is stunning. All comparisons fall short. David Hyde Pierce is brilliant. Joanna Lumley is very funny."

New York Magazine

Scott Brown

New York Post

"A double-barreled shotgun of comedy. As good as can be. 'La Bete' proves that it's possible to be sophisticated and entertaining at the same time."

New York Post

Elisabeth Vincentelli

The New York Times

"Mark Rylance is touchingly human, supremely entertaining and unstoppable. David Hyde Pierce is first-rate. Joanna Lumley is delightful."

The New York Times

Ben Brantley

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