NYC Celebrates 60th Anniversary of Shakespeare in the Park

NYC Celebrates 60th Anniversary of Shakespeare in the Park

Central Park, NY — July 31, 2024 — The Public Theater’s beloved Shakespeare in the Park series celebrated its 60th anniversary tonight with a special performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, drawing thousands of theater lovers to the Delacorte Theater in Central Park.

The milestone event featured a star-studded cast, including award-winning actors Lupita Nyong’o and Adam Driver, and was directed by renowned Broadway veteran Kenny Leon. “For six decades, Shakespeare in the Park has brought the magic of theater to everyone, free of charge,” Leon said in a pre-show address. “This is theater for the people, and it’s as vital today as it was 60 years ago.”

Audience members, some of whom camped out overnight for tickets, were treated to a reimagined production that combined Shakespeare’s classic text with contemporary staging and music. “It’s incredible to see this tradition continue to thrive,” said longtime attendee Rebecca Martinez, who has attended the series for over 20 years.

The celebration also included a pre-show gala featuring speeches from Mayor Eric Adams, Public Theater Artistic Director Oskar Eustis, and other cultural leaders. Proceeds from the gala will support renovations to the Delacorte Theater, set to begin later this year.

As the final bows drew thunderous applause, the evening underscored the enduring power of live performance in bringing New Yorkers together. Shakespeare in the Park remains a cherished institution, offering free access to world-class theater and cementing its place in the city’s cultural fabric.