Waiting for Shakespeare

At the very last possible moment – the show’s run ended on September 14—I had the pleasure of attending a performance of the Public Theater’s production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. For the Delacorte faithful—many audience members return year after year—the production has been a long-time coming. The theater just reopened after an almost two-year period in which renovations designed to make the venue more accessible and comfortable, were completed.

This version of Twelfth Night, abbreviated and adapted for modern audiences, was definitely entertaining, but lacked some connective tissue. I was surprised by the omission of scenes that show Duke Orsino’s developing attraction—and confusion over this fondness—for a young eunuch (traditionally defined as male at birth) who comes to serve him.  In a work that plays with sexual identity and preference, there is no judgement implied, it’s simply a loose end. Those familiar with the play can fill in the blanks. 

The appearance of a cast that included Lupita Nyong’o, Sandra Oh, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Peter Dinklage—Dinklage’s depiction of Malvolio was especially fine, brash, pompous, bawdy, and ultimately moving—drew a packed house. A memorable finale in which all the players dance on the stage in colorful over-the-top gender-bending costumes brought the audience to their feet.

While “the play’s the thing” that entices New Yorkers to show up for free Shakespeare in the Park, getting tickets requires a serious commitment: waiting in line for up to six hours before tickets are distributed for that day’s performance. It’s a bit of a gamble for those who arrive later than 6:00 a.m. when the park opens, as the number of tickets handed out varies for each performance. (The Public Theater does make tickets available via other means including a line for seniors, those with disabilities, and a virtual ticket distribution. Patrons at a certain level are also awarded free tickets. More info is available on their site.)

Full disclosure: I am not a morning person, but on this occasion, the fates conspired in bringing together the perfect weather for the wait with interesting line neighbors, an abundance of friendly dogs, and entertainment in the form of a wandering minstrel, a sax player, and, in the distance, a gymnast demonstrating some notable skills. Sustained by sunshine and greenery (and a large coffee, thanks to SM), the experience was decidedly enjoyable, especially as we were rewarded for our patience with four tickets and were among the last group to receive them.

As any city dweller can attest, urban life can take its toll, but on this day, both during the wait for tickets and at the performance of Twelfth Night in the picturesque setting of Central Park’s Delacorte theater, New York City was showing off one of its best features.