“One of the top one-man shows I've seen this year, full stop.”
PLAYOFF-BROADWAYNOW PLAYING
How Shakespeare Saved My Life
The Public Theater/Shiva Theater
Opened Sep 27, 2026 · Closes Oct 25, 2026
3 Rave
2 Positive
5 Mixed
1 Negative
Critics' Take
Critics find Ming-Trent's autobiographical solo show a moving testament to Shakespeare's transformative power, though some question its structure. His charismatic performance and ability to embody multiple characters earn praise across reviews.
Critic Scorecard
11 reviews3 Rave
2 Positive
5 Mixed
1 Negative
Sort:
“Based on this performance, give him his Hamlet already!”
“Whether delivering Shakespeare with hip-hop rhythms, a jazzy beat, or his own syncopations, Ming-Trent is authentic and terrifically entertaining.”
“Ming-Trent is a high-energy explosion of joy — a striking contrast to the autobiographical material, which begins with his father going to jail when he was a child and includes chapters of homelessness, drug use, and fraught family tension.”
“What is undeniably real is Ming-Trent’s infectious energy and humor, which he firmly established as a performer.”
Audience Scorecard
29 audience reviews
B+
Liking It
Frequently Asked Questions
What do critics say about How Shakespeare Saved My Life?
Critics find Ming-Trent's autobiographical solo show a moving testament to Shakespeare's transformative power, though some question its structure. His charismatic performance and ability to embody multiple characters earn praise across reviews. (CriticScore 69/100 from 11 reviews.)
Is How Shakespeare Saved My Life worth seeing?
Probably, if the material interests you. Critics say How Shakespeare Saved My Life is worth seeing (69/100 from 11 reviews) — it works best if the premise or cast appeals to you.
What is the CriticScore for How Shakespeare Saved My Life?
How Shakespeare Saved My Life has a CriticScore of 69/100 based on 11 professional reviews. This is rated "Worth Seeing".
Is How Shakespeare Saved My Life still running Off-Broadway?
Yes, How Shakespeare Saved My Life is currently playing at The Public Theater/Shiva Theater Off-Broadway. It is scheduled to close on October 25, 2026.
Where is How Shakespeare Saved My Life playing Off-Broadway?
How Shakespeare Saved My Life is playing at The Public Theater/Shiva Theater.
Current Cast
- Jacob Ming-TrentHimself
Original Cast
- Jacob Ming-TrentHimself
Creative Team
- Jacob Ming-TrentPlaywright
Quick Facts
- CriticScore
- 69/100 (11 reviews)
- Status
- Now Playing
- Opened
- Sep 27, 2026
- Closes
- Oct 25, 2026
- Running
- Just opened
- Theater
- The Public Theater/Shiva Theater
- Synopsis
- A performer recounts how poetry and Shakespeare shaped his path through life. In this autobiographical solo play, Jacob Ming-Trent reflects on his upbringing, artistic aspirations, and search for identity. Drawing on personal experiences, he revisits pivotal moments from his youth, tracing a path marked by rejection, struggle, and self-discovery. Throughout the story, the works of Shakespeare serve as a recurring influence alongside the voices of rappers, preachers, and poets who helped shape his understanding of language and expression. Blending storytelling, performance, and literary references, the play examines the role of art in personal transformation and the ways creative expression can provide connection, purpose, and resilience. Directed by Tony Taccone.
- Data Last Updated
- October 5, 2026
