Summer in the city means someone in a rush next to someone lookin' pretty and an invasion of Shakespeare in the greatest city in the world. The Bard is everywhere in June, July, and August and a lot of times you can see cool, fresh interpretations for free. Scroll on as we look at nine productions (six of which are free!) that are worth checking out.
Julius Caesar by The Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park
Deets: This production, helmed by Public Artistic Director Oskar Eustis, received national attention because of Caesar and Calpurnia’s striking resemblance to President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania.
Dates: Running at The Delacorte Theatre in Central Park through June 18.
Cost: Free!
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by The Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park
Deets: The second offering from the Public has theatre fanatics debating donating or sleeping in Central Park just for the opportunity to see Kristine Nieslsen as Puck and Danny Burstein as Nick Bottom in this outdoor production. The play’s young couples are the brilliant performers Annaleigh Ashford, Shalita Grant, Kyle Beltran, & Alex Hernandez. It’s the theatrical event of the summer.
Dates: Running at The Delacorte Theatre in Central Park July 11 through August 13.
Cost: Free!
Hamlet by The Public Theater
Fun Home Tony winner Sam Gold directs former Public Theater Romeo turned film star Oscar Isaac in this highly-anticipated staging. The featured cast is also on fire here and includes Gayle Rankin, Keegan Michael Key, Roberta Colindrez, Peter Friedman, Matthew Saldivar & more.
Dates: Running at The Public’s Anspacher Theater June 20 through September 3.
Cost: Tickets start at $115
Hamlet by Torn Out Theater
Deets: This production makes headlines because it’s all-male and all-nude. Yup. [Insert your own joke about to be or not to be naked]. Jake Austin Robertson stars as the title prince.
Dates: Running at The Music Pagoda in Prospect Park August 10-13.
Cost: Free!
Titus by The Shakespeare Forum
Deets: El Barrio’s Shakespeare Festival production of this bloody tragedy hopes to raise awareness of the global humanitarian crises currently facing many parts of the world.
Dates: Running at El Barrio's Artspace PS109 June 15-17.
Cost: $18
Twelfth Night by The Drilling Company
Deets:The Drilling Company is back at Bryant Park for three performances of this beloved romantic comedy.
Dates: Running at The Upper Terrace in Bryant Park July 28-30.
Cost: Free!
The Tempest by The Drilling Company
Deets: The company closes out their season with the Bard’s final play complete with music from Natalie Smith and Andrew Gombas.
Dates: Running at The Upper Terrace in Bryant Park on Fridays and Saturdays from August 25 through September 9.
Cost: Free!
All’s Well That Ends Well by Shakespeare in the Parking Lot
Deets: The company’s 23rd season kicks off with this famed “problem play” in a production set in southeastern France just before the fascist invasion of World War II.
Dates: Running at La Plaza at The Clemente Parking Lot (114 Norfolk Street) on Thursdays through Saturdays July 6-22.
Cost: Free!
Julius Caesar by Pocket Universe
Deets: This production is set at an all-girls high school and explores the complexities of bullying and the psychological warfare teenage girls wage on each other.
Dates: Running at Access Theater Gallery Space June 21-July 8.
Cost: $18
