Shakespeare in the Park returns to New York City’s Delacorte Theater in Central Park after a 2023 renovation pause, drawing eager crowds already lining up for free tickets. NBC correspondent Kaylee Hartung sits down with a star-studded trio—Tony winner Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Emmy winner Sandra Oh, and Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o—to discuss their roles in a contemporary reimagining of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, a play written more than 400 years ago. Aug. 19, 2025
The revival marks the return of a beloved summer ritual, offering free access to a production that combines fresh, modern interpretation with one of Shakespeare’s best-loved comedies. Hartung’s TODAY segment highlights how Ferguson, Oh, and Nyong’o bring their distinctive screen and stage talents to the Delacorte stage.
This year’s Twelfth Night promises a forward-looking take that preserves the play’s wit and heart while translating it for today’s audiences. The high-profile cast underscores the festival’s ongoing appeal and its role in making top-tier theater accessible to New Yorkers and visitors alike.
Commentary: The reopening of Shakespeare in the Park after renovations is more than just a venue upgrade—it signals a continued commitment to inclusive, free cultural programming in the heart of Manhattan. The cast’s star power can help attract a broader audience to classical theater, while the contemporary approach may invite new interpretations and conversations about the timeless themes of identity, love, and resilience.
Summary: Shakespeare in the Park resumes at the Delacorte with a contemporary Twelfth Night headlined by Ferguson, Oh, and Nyong’o, offering free tickets to a renewed summer tradition in Central Park. The event blends enduring Shakespearean charm with modern storytelling, aimed at welcoming diverse audiences to the iconic outdoor stage.
Positive spin: The return is a hopeful celebration of accessibility and artistic reinvention, inviting both longtime fans and newcomers to experience Shakespeare in a fresh, vibrant setting.