New York City is home to countless iconic summer traditions. One that is cultural yet accessible to all is Shakespeare in the Park. For over 70 years, this open-air theater event has brought the timeless works of William Shakespeare to life under the stars in Central Park.
Over the years, we have transported thousands of people to witness the magic. Whether you’re a regular theatergoer or are completely new to The Bard, here are four fun facts that will give you even more reason to join their number.
1. It all began from the back of a truck
Long before it became an institution in Central Park and across the world, the first ever Shakespeare in the Park took place in 1954. Joseph Papp was a Brooklyn-born TV and theater executive who was just beginning to make a name for himself in the business. He had a vision that theater should be accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy, so he hit on a way of bringing Shakespeare to the people by taking a makeshift stage and putting on free shows.
The project gathered momentum when a 1956 performance of The Taming of the Shrew garnered coverage in the New York Times. Suddenly, Shakespeare in the Park became the “must see” production and by the early 60s, it had found its permanent home at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, where it has remained ever since.
2. You can see the biggest stars for free
One of the most remarkable things about Shakespeare in the Park is that despite its enduring popularity, it remains 100 percent free. More than five million tickets have been distributed since that first show all those years ago.
But don’t think that means you will be seeing amateurs taking to the boards. Shakespeare in the Park has attracted some of the world’s biggest stars, who share Joseph Papp’s passion for bringing Shakespeare to a wide audience. Over the years, Shakespeare in the Park has featured such names as Meryl Streep, Al Pacino, Denzel Washington, Anne Hathaway, and Sandra Oh, to name just a few. So you never know who you might see.
3. It has spawned a global institution
Shakespeare in the Park has proved such a popular NYC institution that it has been imitated across the nation and the world. Notable examples include performances at the Open Air Theatre in London’s Regent’s Park, the Bard on the Beach festival in Vanier Park, Vancouver and Shakespeare productions at Fort Canning, Singapore.
All of these follow the original vision of free performances to make Shakespeare accessible to everyone. But New York City is where it all began.
4. It’s more than just a Shakespeare play
Of course, The Bard is the star and his work forms the focus of Shakespeare in the Park. But there is so much more to it that just the retelling of a story first performed 400 years ago.
Each year’s festival also includes adaptations, modern reinterpretations and even plays by other writers, as well as faithful renditions of Shakespeare’s work in their original form. In short, Shakespeare in the Park has found a way to ensure that every year the performances feel fresh, delivering theater that feels both timeless and timely.
Getting there in style is all part of the experience
Movies and literature have given a highly romanticized image to Central Park. But the reality is that getting there in the summer heat can be a case of “once more unto the breach.” That’s why so many theatergoers choose to make an evening of it by booking a luxury car service or limousine.
It means you can relax and enjoy the ride from your home to the Delacorte Theater drop-off without having to concern yourself with negotiating the NYC traffic, searching for a parking spot or doing battle with the subway crowds. From a stylish sedan for two to a party bus for all your family and friends, we have the luxury transportation solution to meet your needs.
Experience the magic of Shakespeare in the Park with Delux
Shakespeare in the Park is not just a show. It’s a New York City tradition that combines world-class theater, the beauty of Central Park, and the timeless joy of sharing a cultural experience with our community. Whether you’re a committed culture vulture with a passion for Shakespeare or you’re simply looking for a memorable summer night out, few things capture the spirit of New York City like Shakespeare in the Park.
Getting there should be part of the fun, so set the tone for an unforgettable evening by booking a luxury car service to Shakespeare in the Park with Delux. You can book via the Delux Transportation mobile app, online or by giving us a call on 718-883-1900.