Everything You Need To Know About Shakespeare In The Park 2012

by Erica Getto · June 5, 2012

    When it comes to society’s movers and shakers, no one does it quite like Shakespeare. This summer, theatergoers can celebrate the playwright’s living legacy for another season of The Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park. Now in its 50th anniversary season at the Delacorte Theater, this acclaimed outdoor series will offer eight weeks of free performances. The 2012 season kicks off tonight with a four-week run of As You Like It, starring Lily Rabe as Rosalind. On July 23, the theater will house a four-week run of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s musical Into the Woods, starring Amy Adams and Jack Broderick. [Photo via]

    In the tradition of Shakespeare in the Park, tickets will be available for free the day of the show. Early risers and patient performance enthusiasts will be rewarded, as a culture has grown out of theatergoers waiting in line to snag the much coveted tickets.

    In addition to the performance series, the Shakespeare in the Park Gala will take place on Mon., June 18 and feature a one-night-only performance of Romeo and Juliet with Meryl Streep playing the title role. Streep is among actors such as Philip Seymour Hoffman and Al Pacino who have performed in previous Shakespeare in the Park seasons.

    [Photo via]

    What To Know

    Free tickets are distributed (two per person) at 1 P.M. on the day of the performance at the Delacorte Theater’s Box Office, but long lines are likely to form, so you’ll want to plan accordingly. Snacks, sunscreen and maybe a Shakespeare play to get you in the zone are strongly suggested. The Public Theater will also offer tickets through a “virtual lottery” on its site the day of the performance.

    Important Dates: -As You Like It -- Opens for Previews on Tues., June 5 with an official press opening on Thurs., June 21.

    -Shakespeare in the Park Gala -- Mon., June 18.

    -Into the Woods -- Previews on Sat., July 23 with an official press opening on Thurs., Aug. 9.

    Venue: The Delacorte Theater in Central Park (Great Lawn, Southwest Corner off of 80th St.)

    Website: shakespeareinthepark.org

    Twitter Handle: @PublicTheaterNY

    Schedule: Performances begin at 8 P.M. and will run on most evenings.