There are few things more traditional to a NY summer than The Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park. Two shows over the summer take place in the magnificence of the delecorte theater in central park and it's truly always a magical experience.
First up, technically opening tonight and running through July 12th, is 12th night. One of Shakespeare's comedies about a cross dressing woman and the faults of love and gender (how appropriate for gay pride week!) it's a fun show with an allstar cast. (Anne Hathaway for the general population, Raul Esparza, Julie White and Audra MacDonald for theater geeks like me.)
I went this past Tuesday and the show was lovely lovely lovely. Not stand out (read my post about romeo and juliet from a few years ago) but there are a ton of laughs and it's overall delightful. The rolling hillside side sets the scene perfectly and everyone holds up their parts quite well, the singing parts are a total delight and keep your ears peeled for a See You Next Tuesday joke! And honestly, I swoon just sitting in that theater under the stars with the castle in the background, you just can't beat it!
You can also bring anything you like to munch or drink upon in the theater (provided no glass bottles are there!) I highly recommend a nice spread of wine and cheese (Thanks Ben's friend Gerrit with nice eyes!) Shakespeare would appreciate.
So, you may be asking, but LA, how do I get to experience this wonder? Well my friends, there are three ways.
1) buy expensive tickets and become a member (ha! not free and cheap!)
2) wait in line
This is the traditional way folks. Every day when there is a show (Tue-Sunday, 8pm) hundreds upon hundreds are given out for free to those able and willing to wait for hours upon hours to be bestowed with a golden ticket into the gates. Tickets are given out at 1pm at both the delecorte theater (which I love because you get to wait in the park) a short five minute walk into the park from the 82nd street path entrance or at the public theater in greenwich village. I got there at 8 30 am on a Tuesday and was fine but once press picks up I would recommend getting there by 7am for weekends and 8am for weekdays to be safe. Brings blankets and cushions (they blocked off the grass so sadly Ben, my partner in crime, and my butts were quite sore) and food and drink. They have finally opened up a cafe for food but you can always order from the amazing Andy's, the guys guarding the line has the number!
NOTE: If you are waiting in line, people are CRAZY! You can't have friends join you, you can't really leave. Even if the people around you seem cool someone in the back once told on me because my friend showed up 1/2 hour I got there. So you never know
BUT you do get 2 tkts per person, so that is fun!
3. Virtual Line!
Stuck in work all day or can't muster the energy to wake up early? Here is the solution for you! Sign up, cross your fingers and if you win, you get a ticket!
Now go out and enjoy!!!!
PS. This picture isn't of the current set (no photos allowed!) but of the theater with the castle. It coincidentally also looks like it was taken right where I was sitting!
