The Public Theater is preparing to stage its Free Shakespeare in the Park production of Twelfth Night, with rehearsals underway at New York City’s newly renovated Delacorte Theater. The show is scheduled to run from August 7 through September 14, marking the return of outdoor Shakespeare after the theater’s two-year closure for nearly $80 million in upgrades. The production highlights Peter Dinklage’s involvement, drawing significant attention to the Peter Dinklage Twelfth Night Rehearsal.
A Star-Studded Cast Assembles for the Production
The ensemble for Twelfth Night features an impressive lineup, including Peter Dinklage, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Lupita Nyong’o, Sandra Oh, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Junior Nyong’o, and Khris Davis, among others. Additional cast members contributing to the vibrant staging are John Ellison Conlee, Ariyan Kassam, Valentino Musumeci, Moses Sumney, Kapil Talwalker, and Joe Tapper. The wide-ranging talent brings new energy to Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy.
Saheem Ali directs the show, which has been condensed to a brisk 90-minute performance, making it more accessible to a contemporary audience.
The extended ensemble supporting the principal cast includes Dario Alvarez, Jaina Rose Jallow, Precious Omigie, Chinna Palmer, Nathan M. Ramsey, Jasmine Sharma, Julian Tushabe, Adrian Villegas, Ada Westfall, and Mia Wurgaft.
Significance of the Delacorte Theater’s Renovation
The upcoming run of Twelfth Night will be the first production showcased at the Delacorte Theater since its major overhaul, completed after closing for two years. This renovation, with a budget approaching $80 million, modernizes the historic open-air venue in Central Park and revitalizes its role in New York City’s cultural landscape. This summer’s production will signal a renewed commitment to delivering free, high-quality Shakespearean theater to diverse audiences.
Access and Viewing Options for the Public
Attendance options for Twelfth Night include ticket distribution on the day of performances in Central Park, as well as at the Public Theater and designated points throughout all five of New York City’s boroughs. A digital lottery through TodayTix will also offer tickets, ensuring broad and equitable opportunities for theatergoers. For those unable to attend in person, the play will be broadcast on PBS on November 14 at 9 PM ET as part of the Tony Award-winning Great Performances series, with streaming availability on PBS.org and the PBS app.
Historical Context of Twelfth Night in Shakespeare in the Park
This iteration of Twelfth Night marks the seventh occasion the romantic comedy has appeared in the Shakespeare in the Park series, joining previous stagings from 1969, 1986, 1989, 2002, 2009, and a 2018 Public Works musical adaptation by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Tony winner Shaina Taub. Since its start in 1954, the Free Shakespeare in the Park program has provided free summer performances featuring a rotating roster of acclaimed actors and creative teams, focusing primarily on Shakespeare’s works but occasionally presenting other theatrical presentations such as Into the Woods and Hercules.
Notable stars who have appeared in past Twelfth Night productions include Jeff Goldblum, Anne Hathaway, Nikki M. James, Hamish Linklater, Audra McDonald, Michelle Pfeiffer, Fisher Stevens, Julia Stiles, and Michael Stuhlbarg, solidifying the show’s legacy as a platform for celebrated talent.
A Legacy of Free High-Quality Theater in New York City
Since its inception, Free Shakespeare in the Park has been a cherished summer tradition in New York City, providing public access to classical theater led by prominent actors. The return of Twelfth Night at the refreshed Delacorte Theater is poised to continue this tradition while offering a refreshed production under Saheem Ali’s direction and featuring Peter Dinklage and an ensemble of talented performers. As audiences prepare to experience this new staging, both in person and through broadcast, the production reinforces the vital role that free theater plays in the city’s cultural fabric.
