In celebration of five extraordinary years of Public Works, a Public Theater initiative that invites communities across New York to create ambitious works of participatory theater, Free Shakespeare in the Park presents a re-imagining of Public Works’ 2016 Musical Adaptation of TWELFTH NIGHT for a full five-week run in Central Park. Professional artists and two rotating ensembles of community members from all five boroughs will perform together on the Delacorte stage in this enchanting comedy about Viola, a young heroine who washes up on the shores of Illyria, disguises herself as a man, is sent to court a countess, and falls in love with a Duke.

Featuring music and lyrics by critically-acclaimed songwriter Shaina Taub, this very special TWELFTH NIGHT is a unique partnership between two Public Theater programs that exemplify The Public’s commitment to radical inclusion. Oskar Eustis, The Public’s Artistic Director, and Kwame Kwei-Armah, incoming Artistic Director of London’s Young Vic, helm this unforgettable musical about love in all its many disguises.

Oh, what a night!  Although somewhat overcast with rain and thunderstorms in the forecast, the mood onstage for Twelfth Night in Central Park at The Delacorte Theater couldn’t have been sunnier! Twelfth Night is a typical Shakespearean comedy with disguises, mistaken identities, and frustrated love.  Viola and her twin brother Sebastian are caught in a shipwreck and neither knows if the other has survived. They both land in Illyria where Viola disguises herself as Cesario and gets a job with Duke Orsino.  She is understandably upset when she falls in love with him but he sends her to help him woo Olivia. Predictably Olivia falls in love with “Cesario,” the disguised girl. There’s a second, broader comic plot involving Olivia’s uncle Sir Toby Belch (Shuler Hensley). Sir Toby schemes with other characters to humiliate Malvolio, Olivia’s pompous servant, getting him to dress in yellow clothing and act quite mad. Although I was disappointed that Nikki M. James (The Book of Mormon) was unavailable for the performance I attended, the understudy for Viola, Kim Blanck, did a fine job. With her strong voice and pleasant demeanor, she brings sincerity to the role, especially when she sings a …Read more