NEW YORK — Only a foolish wit would pass up free tickets.
Especially if those tickets are for “Twelfth Night,” the Public Theater’s splashy and sparkling production of William Shakespeare’s classic comedy of mistaken identity. Directed by Saheem Ali (“Buena Vista Social Club”), the romantic romp features an A-list roster led by Lupita Nyong’o, Sandra Oh, Peter Dinklage, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. The free event runs through Sept. 13 at Central Park’s landmark Delacorte Theater, which has reopened after an 18-month hiatus and $85 million renovation.
Here’s everything you need to know about “Twelfth Night,” which is performed rain or shine at the 1,800-seat outdoor venue:
Who is in the cast of ‘Twelfth Night?’
Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o makes her Delacorte debut alongside her real-life brother, Junior Nyong’o. The actors play twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated during a shipwreck with each believing the other sibling to be dead. Viola disguises herself as a boy named Cesario and becomes a servant to Duke Orsino (Khris Davis). She falls for Orsino, who is madly in love with the countess Olivia (Sandra Oh). Olivia, meanwhile, is pining for the young man she believes to be Cesario. As you can glean, chaos ensues.
Peter Dinklage takes on the role of Malvolio, Jesse Tyler Ferguson is Andrew Aguecheek, and the cast is rounded out by Daphne Rubin-Vega (Broadway’s original Mimi in “Rent”), along with singer/actor Moses Sumney (“MaXXXine”), John Ellison Conlee (HBO’s “The Gilded Age”) and Valentino Musumeci (Apple TV+’s “The Savant”).
Is ‘Twelfth Night’ worth seeing?
Absolutely. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, there are few things more quintessentially New York than sitting amongst the trees on a breezy summer night, sipping wine as you watch a group of first-rate actors spouting verse while the sun sets. Tucked away in Central Park, the wood-paneled amphitheater feels both majestic and intimate, making it perfect for a date night or family outing.
The particulars of the story sometimes get lost in Ali’s bold-faced production, which culminates in a runway-ready dance party that’s sumptuously costumed by Oana Botez. But the intermission-less play coasts along on chic modern vibes and ultra-charming performances from its cast. It’s a treat to watch the luminous Nyong’o, one of our finest dramatic actresses, finally get to let loose in a gender-busting comedic turn. Oh brings sultry dynamism to the deceptively complex Olivia, while Dinklage runs away with the show as the limber and lovesick Malvolio. His joyful, mischievous stage presence is enough reason to go.
How do I get free tickets to Shakespeare in the Park?
There are multiple ways to secure your seats to “Twelfth Night” in the coming weeks. First off, be sure to register for a free Public Theater Patron ID on the organization’s website. It’s required to obtain most tickets.
- In-person distribution in Central Park. On every public performance day, free tickets are distributed beginning at 12 p.m. at the Delacorte Theater (81 Central Park West). Each person can claim two tickets and seat locations are randomly assigned, not based on your position in line. In addition to the general distribution line, there are separate lines for recipients 65 and older, as well as people who need accessible seating.
- In-person and digital lotteries. A limited number of ticket vouchers will be distributed via in-person lottery at the Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street) at 12 p.m. on the day of the performance. You can also win free tickets by entering in the digital lottery on the TodayTix app before noon each day.
- In-person distribution in the boroughs. If you can’t make it to Central Park to line up in the morning, a limited number of ticket vouchers will also be handed out in boroughs around the city, such as Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. Neighborhoods and distribution dates vary, so check the Public Theater website for a full calendar.
- In-person standby line in Central Park. Finally, if you couldn’t snag a free ticket earlier in the day, you can always try waiting in the standby line at the Delacorte Theater, where any remaining tickets may be distributed starting at 6 p.m., two hours before the show begins.
How early do I need to line up for Shakespeare in the Park?
A New York institution for decades, Shakespeare in the Park has routinely attracted many of Hollywood’s brightest stars to come perform the Bard, whether it’s Meryl Streep (“The Taming of the Shrew”), Al Pacino (“The Merchant of Venice”) or Denzel Washington (“Richard III”). As a result, scoring free tickets has become an Olympic sport for many theater fans.
Although Central Park technically doesn’t open until 6 a.m., many patrons begin lining up outside the entrance at 81st Street and Central Park West much earlier. According to recent reports on Reddit, folks typically start camping out around 2 a.m., and, at times, the line will already be 100 people strong by 5 a.m.
The number of tickets distributed at each location varies daily, so you’ll likely want to be there before sunrise in order to guarantee yourself a ticket. It may sound incredibly daunting, but the wait can also be fun: Bring a book, a blanket and a friend who can hold your spot in line during bathroom breaks.