Seeing a Broadway show is up there on the ultimate NYC bucket list, whether you’re a committed theatergoer or a casual fan of musicals and plays. And while it’s always fun to immerse yourself in the bright lights of Times Square and attend a show at one of the area’s major theaters in Midtown, the summer offers a refreshing alternative, with outdoor performances in public spaces across NYC. From major productions to shows held by smaller, local theater groups, here’s a taste of the best NYC outdoor performances to check out before the season is over.
Shakespeare in the Park
After an $85 million renovation, the Delacorte Theater in Central Park is welcoming audiences again, with this summer’s run of Shakespeare in the Park. From August 7 to September 14, you can enjoy the Public Theater’s free production of Twelfth Night. The cast for this popular Shakespeare comedy is impressive—stars include Peter Dinklage, Lupita Nyong’o, and Sandra Oh. It’s the seventh time the play has been staged at the Delacorte, and is under the direction of Tony award nominee Saheem Ali.
Other Outdoor Performances
As part of the NYC Parks lineup of free summer theater, the Hudson Classical Theater Company is presenting Ibsen’s The Lady from the Sea on multiple dates at Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in Riverside Park at West 89th Street. Catch a show Thursdays to Sundays from 6:30pm. No reservations are required, but there is a “Pay What You Can” suggested donation. Cushions are provided for this outdoor performance.
On Saturday, August 2, at 2pm, you can enjoy the Shakespeare Sports Theatre Company’s production of the face, The Comedy of Errors. This play has all the Shakespearean signatures—mistaken identity, wacky characters, and a focus on love. This year’s staging is directed by acclaimed director Michael Hagins. The performance is free, with RSVP via Eventbrite, and takes place at Summit Rock in Central Park, which you can access from West 85th Street and Central Park West.
Every summer, Bryant Park hosts Picnic Performances, a free outdoor festival featuring music, dance and theatre performances. While this year’s lineup for the remainder of the season is predominantly singers and bands, there are two performances of Carmen by the New York City Opera on September 4 and 5. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the Bizet classic in the beauty of the outdoors.
Enjoy a waterfront backdrop for Monday evening performances in Hudson River Park’s Clinton Cove. The second season of Broadway by the Boardwalk features shows by Broadway stars Jasmine Amy Rogers, Zachary Noah Piser (from the Broadway musical Redwood), and a double-header night featuring Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal. Bring a picnic blanket to enjoy these open-air performances; the closest entrance to the park is at West 55th Street.
As part of Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City series, you can get into the act yourself with an outdoor dance workshop led by the Mark Morris Dance Group. This accessible-to-all class will take place at the Garden at Damrosch Park on July 31 at 5pm.
While the run has ended for this summer already, it’s worth remembering NY Classical Theatre for next summer. The group stages all-free, interactive productions in public venues across New York City. This summer, the group performed Shakespeare’s All’s Well That Ends Well in Central Park, Carl Schurz Park, and The Battery. Bookmark their website to keep tabs on next summer’s plans.
As you can see, there is a robust lineup of outdoor theater performances this summer in NYC. Most of these performances are free, but check ahead of time, as some may require advance registration. Enjoy the show!
