Going to the annual “Shakespeare in the Park” shows in Central Park is on most New Yorkers’ summer bucket lists, if they’re lucky enough to snag tickets.
And with this year’s casting, it might be the most competitive yet!
Yesterday, The Public Theater announced that Shakespeare in the Park will return for the 2022 season, featuring playwright and actress Danai Gurira as Richard III.
Free Shakespeare in the Park ‘22:
Richard III
Directed by Robert O’Hara
Featuring @DanaiGuriraPublic Works’ AS YOU LIKE IT
Adapted by @shainataub & @laurie_woolery
Music & Lyrics by @shainataub
Original Choreography by @sonyatayeh
Directed by @laurie_woolery
📷:Steve Brown pic.twitter.com/wvp7f1Xh8S— The Public Theater (@PublicTheaterNY) February 2, 2022
“We are proud to announce a special summer celebrating 60 years — and more than 150 productions — of Free Shakespeare in the Park at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park,” the announcement shared on their website
Last year’s performance of Merry Wives will be followed by political drama, Richard III, directed by Robert O’Hara. The story follows Richard on his lust for power and the thrown with a “masterful dive into the muddy middle between political genius and violent power grab.”
The second performance of the season will be a rendition of As You Like It directed by Laurie Woolery. The adaptation will bring together both professional actors and community members on a story following transformational love.
A tradition for more than half a century in the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, Shakespeare in the Park brings distinguished theater performances for FREE to the New York masses.
Catch both this season before the 59-year old Delacorte Theater in Central Park undergoes a $42 million renovation set to begin fall 2022.
“In a time when performing arts organizations were unable to produce indoors, The Delacorte led the way in the return to live performance. Investing in The Delacorte means we are investing in the future of this undustry and strengthening outdoor performing arts. This investment in one of the city’s public treasures will exceed City minority involvement benchmarks in the construction process, in line with The Public’s anti-racism and cultural transformation plan.” –Luis A. Miranda Jr., Public Theater Board Member
Booking for the 60th season is not yet open but New Yorkers can become a supporter plus to be the first to know when reservations are available.
Otherwise, the performance schedule and ticketing info. will be revealed over the next few weeks, so stay tuned!