Public Theater to Reopen Delacorte with Star-Studded “Twelfth Night”

NEW YORK — The Delacorte Theater in Central Park is set to reopen with a free production of Shakespeare's “Twelfth Night,” featuring a lineup of acclaimed actors including Lupita Nyong’o, Peter Dinklage, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Sandra Oh. Saheem Ali, the Public Theater’s associate artistic director, expressed excitement about the significance of this production, noting the performers' deep connections to the theater. For Ali, the choice is particularly meaningful as “Twelfth Night” was the first show he attended in New York upon his arrival in 2002. While Jesse Tyler Ferguson has previously performed in Central Park, this production will mark the Delacorte debuts for Nyong’o, Dinklage, and Oh. The Public Theater’s free Shakespeare in the Park program has long been a cherished tradition, allowing audiences to experience high-caliber performances under the stars. Ali highlighted the unique atmosphere of the venue, where lines like “My stars shine darkly over me” resonate against the backdrop of nature. The Delacorte Theater has undergone a significant $110 million renovation, the first major update since its inception. The project will maintain the theater's original footprint and seating capacity of 1,872 while enhancing facilities with sustainable materials, improved lighting and audio systems, and better accessibility. Ali described the renovation as a “gut renovation,” emphasizing the need for modernization to ensure the venue remains a vibrant cultural hub for years to come.