An open-air comedy in Central Park
Every summer, New York City celebrates the work of William Shakespeare in a truly unique and magical setting: Shakespeare in the Park. Presented by The Public Theater, this free theatrical tradition draws thousands of spectators to the heart of Central Park, at the Delacorte Theater, an iconic open-air venue recently renovated to be more accessible and environmentally friendly.
Coming this summer: Twelfth Night
From August 7 to September 14, 2025, New Yorkers and visitors alike will get to enjoy a fresh take on the beloved comedy Twelfth Night, one of Shakespeare’s most joyful and witty plays. Directed by Saheem Ali, resident director at The Public Theater and Tony Award nominee, this production is packed with mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and comic twists, offering a delightful and poetic evening under the stars.
The cast is stellar: Lupita Nyong’o as Viola, Peter Dinklage as Malvolio, Sandra Oh as Olivia, Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Andrew Aguecheek, Khris Davis as Orsino, Junior Nyong’o as Sebastian, Bill Camp as Sir Toby Belch, Daphne Rubin-Vega as Maria, Moses Sumney as Feste, and b as Antonio. The full creative team and ensemble cast will be announced before opening night.
The Delacorte Theater: a transformed space
After more than 60 years of service, the Delacorte Theater has undergone a major renovation. The 2025 season of Shakespeare in the Park marks the reopening of a more welcoming, inclusive, and sustainable venue. While the space retains its timeless charm, it now features modern amenities designed to enhance the experience for all audience members.
Practical info for Shakespeare in the Park
Dates: Performances run from August 7 to September 14, every evening except Mondays.
Location: Delacorte Theater, inside Central Park, between 81st Street and 79th Street, near the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
A free but very popular event
Shakespeare in the Park is completely free, staying true to its mission: Free. For All. Forever. To attend Twelfth Night, here’s how you can get tickets:
In-person ticket distribution in Central Park
- Tickets are distributed daily at 12:00 PM (noon) at the Delacorte Theater box office.
- You’ll need a Public Theater Patron ID (create or confirm it at publictheater.org/login).
- Tickets are handed out via random selection, regardless of arrival time.
- Each person (ages 5 and up) may receive up to two tickets.
- Lines may not form in Central Park before 6:00 AM.
There are three separate lines:
- General Admission: open to all.
- Seniors (65+): with priority access, benches, restrooms, and accessible seating in Section E.
- People with Disabilities: with accommodations such as wheelchair access, services for the hearing- or visually-impaired, etc.
Standby line (last-minute tickets)
If you miss the noon distribution, you can try the standby line, which forms after tickets are handed out. Starting around 6:00 PM, any remaining tickets will be distributed until showtime.
A Patron ID is still required, and each person may receive up to two tickets, based on availability. Unlike the noon distribution, there are no separate lines, standby tickets are allocated based on the best available seats.
A unique cultural experience in New York
Watching a Shakespeare play in the magical setting of Central Park, with a top-tier cast and free admission, is one of New York’s most iconic summer experiences. Whether you’re a lifelong theater lover or simply curious, don’t miss this unforgettable night under the stars with Twelfth Night.
