Library Guides: Plays and Monologues: Find Play Reviews

Suggested Databases

When trying to locate play reviews, it is important to know when the play opened as reviews almost always appear after a play opens.

Listed below is a suggested list of databases for locating reviews of a play. Please don't hesitate to Ask a Librarian if you need further assistance. For scholarly criticism or analysis of a play, please consult the Theatre Research Guide.

International Bibliography of Theatre & Dance with Full Text This link opens in a new window
Research tool for the study of theatre, dance and the performing arts.
Academic Search Complete This link opens in a new window
Covers all subject areas. Has a mix of magazines and journals including many that are peer-reviewed. Also includes a few major newspapers.
Readers' Guide Full Text Mega This link opens in a new window
Indexing and abstracting of the most popular general-interest periodicals published in the United States and Canada, plus the full text of selected magazines.
New York Times Historical (1851-2016) This link opens in a new window
Keyword searching and full-text access to this major national newspaper.
Readers' Guide Retrospective, 1890-1982 This link opens in a new window
Comprehensive indexing of the most popular general-interest periodicals published in the United States and access to literature reflecting the history of 20th century America.

Print Sources

Below is a sample list of print sources for locating reviews of a play. Please don't hesitate to Ask a Librarian if you need further assistance.

American Literary and Drama Reviews: An Index to Late 19th Century Periodicals
Call Number: Reference PN2259 .M37 1984
Broadway in the West End: An Index of Reviews of American Theatre in London, 1950-1975
Call Number: Z2014.D7 S77
The London Stage, 1890-1899: A Calendar of Plays and Players
Call Number: PN2596.L6 W37
New York Theatre Critics' Reviews (1943-1996)
Call Number: Reference PN2000 .N76

University Libraries

Plays and Monologues

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