The Public Theater announced the line-up today for the 60th Anniversary Season of Free Shakespeare in the Park at The Delacorte Theater. Since 1962, over six million people have enjoyed more than 150 free productions of Shakespeare and other classical works and musicals in The Public’s beloved home in Central Park.
This summer, Free Shakespeare in the Park will begin with the drama RICHARD III, directed by Tony nominee Robert O’Hara and featuring Danai Gurira in the title role.
The summer season will continue with the return of the free Public Works musical adaptation of AS YOU LIKE IT after it was originally scheduled for the 2020 season, but delayed due to the pandemic. Adapted by Public Theater Artist-in-Residence Shaina Taub and Director of Public Works Laurie Woolery, with music and lyrics by Shaina Taub, original choreography by Tony Award winner Sonya Tayeh, and directed by Laurie Woolery, AS YOU LIKE IT will feature Darius de Haas (Duke Senior), Joel Perez (Touchstone), and Shaina Taub (Jaques), reprising their roles from the original 2017 Public Works production. They will be joined by two rotating ensembles of community members from all five boroughs to perform together on The Delacorte stage in this enchanting comedy.
Production dates, performance schedules, and complete casting for both productions will be announced at a later date.