Though the Globe Theatre of London was Shakespeare’s original theatrical home, today, more than four hundred years after the Bard laid down his pen for the last time, our very own Central Park becomes the center of the Shakespearean universe for a few months each summer. From May through August, Shakespeare in the Park stages two extravagant productions at the magnificent Delacorte Theater, an open-air venue that seats up to 1800 lucky viewers. First up this summer is Much Ado About Nothing (May 21 – June 23). Directed by Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon, Much Ado is Shakespeare’s timeless take on the romantic comedy genre, wherein a jealous villain’s attempt to tear apart a pair of ideal lovers instead ends up bringing together two “frenemies” who are, it turns out, a match made in heaven. Later in the summer, comedy shifts to tragedy with Coriolanus (July 16 – Aug 11). Directed by Tony Award-winner Daniel Sullivan, Coriolanus pits autocracy against democracy as a Roman general and war hero finds himself deeply unpopular with the commoners and embroiled in a conflict that threatens to destroy the city itself. Tickets are free and available to guests starting at noon on the day of each performance.
Address: 81 Central Park West, New York, NY 10023