The Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park series is presenting Twelfth Night, beginning its run on August 7 and continuing through September 14 at the Delacorte Theater in New York City. This production marks the first Shakespeare in the Park show at the Delacorte after the venue underwent an extensive nearly $80-million renovation.
This production features the acclaimed Peter Dinklage in the role of Malvolio, drawing audiences eager to see the Peter Dinklage Twelfth Night performance in the fresh setting of this historic outdoor theater.
A Star-Studded Ensemble Brings Shakespeare’s Comedy to Life
The cast showcases several notable performers alongside Dinklage. Lupita Nyong’o portrays Viola, Sandra Oh takes on Olivia, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson appears as Andrew Aguecheek. Other key roles include Junior Nyong’o as Sebastian, Khris Davis as Orsino, and Moses Sumney as Feste. The ensemble also features Daphne Rubin-Vega as Maria, John Ellison Conlee as Sir Toby Belch, and b as Antonio, among many others.
This diverse roster includes actors from film, television, and stage, illustrating the Public Theater’s commitment to combining theatrical talent with wide-reaching appeal. The presence of actors like Sandra Oh and Lupita Nyong’o adds considerable prominence to this outdoor production.
Creative Team Shapes a Contemporary 90-Minute Adaptation
Director Saheem Ali has condensed the classic romantic comedy to a brisk 90-minute performance, focusing on maintaining the story’s essence while enhancing accessibility for contemporary audiences. The production is supported by an experienced creative team: Maruti Evans on scenic design, Oana Botez handling costumes, Bradley King managing lighting, and Michael Thurber composing the score. Hair, wigs, and makeup are overseen by Krystal Balleza, while sound design is managed jointly by Kai Harada and Palmer Hefferan.
Additional contributions include fight direction by Tom Schall and choreography by Darrell Grand Moultrie. Karishma Bhagani serves as the Swahili dialect coach, underscoring the production’s attention to linguistic and cultural detail. The stage management team is led by Buzz Cohen, a longtime Delacorte veteran, with Jessie Moore and Luisa Sánchez Colón assisting.
Access and Broadcast Information for Broader Audience Reach
For those unable to attend the live performances, PBS will broadcast Twelfth Night on November 14 at 9 PM ET as part of its Great Performances series. The episode will also be available to stream on PBS.org and the PBS app, ensuring wider access to this notable stage interpretation.
Twelfth Night’s Historic Place in Free Shakespeare in the Park
This staging represents the seventh time Twelfth Night has been performed as part of the Free Shakespeare in the Park series. Previously, the romantic comedy was presented in 1969, 1986, 1989, 2002, and 2009, in addition to a 2018 Public Works musical adaptation created by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Tony Award winner Shaina Taub.
Since launching in 1954, the Free Shakespeare in the Park program has been a cherished New York City tradition, offering fully free summer performances to the public. It regularly attracts A-list talent and stages Shakespeare’s most popular works, as well as occasionally branching into classic musicals like Into the Woods and Hercules.
Past performers of Twelfth Night at the Delacorte have included Jeff Goldblum, Anne Hathaway, Audra McDonald, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Julia Stiles, illustrating the production’s reputation as a prestigious platform for renowned actors.
Significance of the Renovated Venue and Upcoming Opportunities
The reopening of the Delacorte Theater with this production underscores the Public Theater’s dedication to providing an enhanced experience for both performers and audiences. The extensive renovations have modernized the venue while preserving its historic charm, making it a renewed cultural landmark in Central Park.
The production’s free ticket distribution throughout New York City continues the series’ mission to make theater accessible to all. Interested patrons can find full scheduling and ticket information at PublicTheater.org, encouraging broad participation in this iconic summer tradition.
