Website |
Facebook |
Twitter |
Instagram
The Delacorte Theater is a unique and historic outdoor theater located in Central Park, New York City. It is known for its famous Shakespeare in the Park performances, which are free and open to the public. Visitors to the Delacorte Theater can enjoy the beauty of Central Park while watching world-class theater productions featuring some of the most talented actors in the industry.
Attending a show at the Delacorte Theater is a great way to experience the magic of live theater in a truly unique and beautiful setting. The theater is surrounded by lush trees, and the stage is set against the stunning backdrop of Central Park. It's an unforgettable experience that combines the beauty of nature with the power of storytelling.
In addition to the Shakespeare in the Park performances, the Delacorte Theater also hosts a variety of other productions throughout the year, including musicals, concerts, and other theatrical events. Whether you're a theater buff or just looking for a fun and unique way to spend an evening in New York City, the Delacorte Theater is a must-visit destination.
At a Glance
Time Needed: 180 min.
Ages: 5+
Allows Food/Drink: No
Luggage Storage: No
Central Park, New York, NY 10019 Get Directions
Delacorte Theater Videos
SUMO By Lisa Sanaye Dring A co-production of Ma-Yi Theater Company and La Jolla Playhouse Directed by Ralph B. Peña Entrenched in an elite sumo training facility in Tokyo, six men practice, eat, love, play, and ultimately fight. Step into the sacred world of sumo wrestling, with the New York premiere of Lisa Sanaye Dring’s mesmerizing new drama, SUMO. Akio arrives as an angry, ambitious 18-year-old with a lot to learn. Expecting validation, dominance, and fame, and desperate to move up the ranks, he slams headlong into his fellow wrestlers. With sponsorship money at stake, their bodies on the line, and their futures at risk, the wrestlers struggle to carve themselves—and one another—into the men they dream of being. SUMO is a thrilling new play set in an elite and rarely explored world. Obie Award winner Ralph B. Peña directs this powerhouse drama. A quick instructional video on accessing your secure Digital Tickets for The Public Theater, Joe's Pub, and Free Shakespeare in the Park online.
Elevator Repair Service presents GATZ Created and performed by Elevator Repair Service Text: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Directed by John Collins Presented by The Public Theater Ahead of the centennial of The Great Gatsby’s publication and more than a decade after its original Obie and Lortel Award-winning engagements, Elevator Repair Service’s GATZ returns to The Public for a thrilling and final New York City encore of the acclaimed production. One morning in the office of a mysterious small business, an employee finds a copy of The Great Gatsby in the clutter of his desk. He starts to read it out loud and doesn’t stop. At first his coworkers hardly notice. But after a series of strange coincidences, it’s no longer clear whether he’s reading the book, or the book is transforming him. Told over a single 6 1/2-hour production created by Elevator Repair Service and directed by Elevator Repair Service Artistic Director John Collins, GATZ is not a retelling of the Gatsby story but an enactment of the entire novel. Fitzgerald’s American masterpiece is delivered word for word, startlingly brought to life by a low-rent office staff amid their inscrutable business operations. An event not to be missed and a last chance to see this theatrical and literary tour de force by one of the American theater’s most exciting and inventive companies.
North American Premiere DEEP HISTORY Written and Performed by David Finnigan At the end of 2019, in the English countryside, Australian playwright David Finnigan began writing a play about the six turning points that have brought us to this moment in time—our ecosystems transformed, our planet on the brink of unthinkable climate disaster. But then Finnigan's hometown of Canberra was hit by bushfires. As an area the size of England burned and one billion animals perished, he started to receive texts from loved ones racing to evacuate amid the devastation. In a performance that interweaves 75,000 years of humanity with the incredibly personal account of his best friend’s escape, Finnigan calls on scientific research, phone footage, and a very personal story to illuminate the transforming planet and how we’ve arrived here. An extraordinary ride through human history, DEEP HISTORY is shot through with humor and glowing with hope. Learn more: https://thepublic.nyc/DeepHistory
Come backstage with us on a behind the scenes tour of GOOD BONES with Scenic Designer Maruti Evans! 👀 🏠 🛠️ Don't miss the FINAL week of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames' haunting new play about gentrification, community, and home. Get your tickets at thepublic.nyc/GoodBones
New York Premiere GOOD BONES By James Ijames Directed by Saheem Ali Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames explores gentrification and the growing price of the American dream in his sharp, funny new play, GOOD BONES. A work opportunity to revitalize the blighted neighborhood she grew up in has led Aisha and her chef husband Travis to buy and renovate a charming old house. But as everyone knows, renovation is expensive and stressful—both for buildings and the communities that surround them. Aisha’s young contractor Earl grew up in the area too, but his memories are of more than just dangerous streets and hollowed-out homes. When their purely professional relationship gives way to heated debate about who gets to stay and who must go, Aisha is forced to reckon with the choices she’s made to get ahead and the painful, joyful, complicated ghosts that haunt her dreams… and her dream house. The Public’s Associate Artistic Director Saheem Ali directs this New York premiere new play about community, change, and the soul of our cities.
GOOD BONES By James Ijames Directed by Saheem Ali Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames explores gentrification and the growing price of the American dream in his sharp, funny new play, GOOD BONES. A work opportunity to revitalize the blighted neighborhood she grew up in has led Aisha and her chef husband Travis to buy and renovate a charming old house. But as everyone knows, renovation is expensive and stressful—both for buildings and the communities that surround them. Aisha’s young contractor Earl grew up in the area too, but his memories are of more than just dangerous streets and hollowed-out homes. When their purely professional relationship gives way to heated debate about who gets to stay and who must go, Aisha is forced to reckon with the choices she’s made to get ahead and the painful, joyful, complicated ghosts that haunt her dreams… and her dream house. The Public’s Associate Artistic Director Saheem Ali directs this New York premiere new play about community, change, and the soul of our cities.
More in The Upper West Side
More Attractions
- Empire State Building
- The Vessel
- Madison Square Garden
- The Edge
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
- 9/11 Tribute Museum
- One World Observatory
- The Oculus
- The High Line
- St. Patrick's Cathedral
Delacorte Theater News
Cast Announced For Ma-Yi Theater Company's SUMO 相' At The Public Theater
Ma-Yi Theater Company and The Public Theater announced the cast for SUMO 相撲, featuring a diverse ensemble of performers. The production explores themes of tradition and identity through the lens of sumo wrestling.
Declan Bennett, Chumisa Dornford-May, Jamie Muscato, and More Will Lead UK Premiere of NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812
The Donmar Warehouse has announced the full cast for the UK premiere of Dave Malloy's Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet Of 1812 which marks new Artistic Director Tim Sheader's directorial debut at the venue.
Full Cast Set For THE PRODUCERS at Menier Chocolate Factory
The Menier Chocolate Factory has announced the full cast for Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan’s The Producers. Learn more about the cast here!
Elevator Repair Service's GATZ Returns To The Public Theater In November
The Public Theater will present the final New York City encore presentation of Elevator Repair Service's critically acclaimed GATZ based on The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. More than a decade after the last time the epic played at The Public, the production will once again bring this creative retelling of a classic to a new generation of audiences.
New Musicals GODDESS and THE SEAT OF OUR PANTS Join The Public Theater's 2025 Season
The Public Theater has announced two additional new musicals that will be part of The Public’s Spring 2025 and Fall 2025 seasons at their landmark Astor Place home on 425 Lafayette Street. The new musicals include GODDESS and THE SEAT OF OUR PANTS.
The Love Show NYC Opens The Hidden Jewel Box Theater With THE BRIDE: A KILL BILL BALLET
The Love Show NYC announced the opening of The Hidden Jewel Box Theater with 'THE BRIDE: A KILL BILL BALLET' on October 15 and 16, 2024, offering a ballet adaptation of the iconic film.
GOOD BONES by James Ijames Extends at The Public Through Late October
The Public Theater will begin performances for the New York premiere of GOOD BONES, written by Pulitzer Prize winner James Ijames. The production has been extended. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Tony-Nominated Costume Designer Michael McDonald Dies At 61
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report the passing of Tony-nominated costume designer, Michael McDonald. McDonald passed away on September 4 due to complications from a brief illness at the age of 61.
Andy Nyman, Marc Antolin, and More Will Lead THE PRODUCERS at Menier Chocolate Factory
As public booking opens for Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan’s The Producers, the Menier Chocolate Factory has announced initial casting. Find out who's joining the cast here!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld July 26, 2024
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is July 26, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Peter Dinklage, Lupita Nyong'o, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Sandra Oh To Lead TWELFTH NIGHT At Shakespeare in the Park
Peter Dinklage (Malvolio), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Andrew Aguecheek), Lupita Nyong’o (Viola), and Sandra Oh (Olivia) will lead Shakespeare in the Park's TWELFTH NIGHT, directed by The Public’s Associate Artistic Director/Resident Director Saheem Ali, which will reopen the revitalized Delacorte Theater in August 2025.
See Costumes Worn by Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington & More at The Public Theater's Costume Exhibit
Explore the Public Theater's free costume exhibit starting this Sunday at Astor Place, running through August 30. Discover iconic costumes and celebrate theater history during the Black Party event.
Cast Announced For James Ijames' GOOD BONES At The Public Theater
The Public Theater has announced casting for the long-anticipated New York premiere of GOOD BONES written by Pulitzer Prize winner James Ijames and directed by Public Theater Associate Artistic Director/Resident Director Saheem Ali.
Words From the Wings: SUFFS Music Director and Music Supervisor Andrea Grody
As part of our Words From the Wings series, we're chatting with Andrea Grody, who serves as Music Director and Music Supervisor for Suffs. Andrea told us all about her backstage routines, must-haves, and more!
Delacorte Theater Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest subway stops to Delacorte Theater
The closest subway stops to Delacorte Theater at Central Park are:
1. 72nd Street Station: This station is served by the 1, 2, and 3 trains. It is located on Broadway, just a short walk away from the theater. [Click here for subway updates](http://www.mta.info)
2. 66th Street - Lincoln Center Station: This station is served by the 1 train and is located near Lincoln Center, which is a beautiful cultural hub in the city. It's a slightly longer walk to Delacorte Theater, but you can enjoy the scenic walk through Central Park. [Click here for subway updates](http://www.mta.info)
While you're in the area, I recommend exploring some of the other attractions near Central Park, like:
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Located on Fifth Avenue and 82nd Street, the Met is one of the world's largest and most renowned art museums. It's just a short walk from Central Park and definitely worth a visit. [Click here for more information](https://www.metmuseum.org/)
2. Strawberry Fields: This peaceful memorial in Central Park is dedicated to John Lennon and is located near the entrance at West 72nd Street. It's a great spot to take a moment of reflection and enjoy the beauty of the park.
3. The Dakota Building: Just across the street from Strawberry Fields, you'll find the iconic Dakota Building, known for being the former residence of John Lennon and the site of his tragic death. It's a historic building with stunning architecture.
Remember to check the MTA website for any subway updates or changes in service. Enjoy your visit to Delacorte Theater and have a fantastic time exploring Central Park and its surrounding attractions!
What's the best way to get to Delacorte Theater by bus?
The closest NYC bus stops to Delacorte Theater at Central Park are:
1. Central Park West/W 81 St: This stop is served by the M10 bus. You can check for updates on the M10 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=M10).
2. 5 Av/W 79 St: This stop is served by the M1, M2, M3, and M4 buses. You can check for updates on the M1 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=M1), the M2 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=M2), the M3 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=M3), and the M4 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=M4).
Please note that bus schedules and routes are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check for updates closer to your visit. Enjoy your time at Delacorte Theater and Central Park!
How much time should I plan to spend at Delacorte Theater?
The ideal length of time to plan to spend at Delacorte Theater in New York City depends on the show you are attending. The theater is located in Central Park and is home to the famous Shakespeare in the Park productions. These performances are typically around two and a half hours long, including an intermission. However, it's always a good idea to arrive early to secure a good spot and soak in the beautiful surroundings. So, I would recommend setting aside at least three hours for your visit to Delacorte Theater. This will give you enough time to find your seat, enjoy the performance, and take in the magical atmosphere of Central Park.
Can I bring food and drinks into Delacorte Theater?
The Delacorte Theater, located in Central Park, is an iconic outdoor venue that hosts the annual Shakespeare in the Park productions. When it comes to food and drink, the theater has a few guidelines in place.
Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed inside the theater, so feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the performance. However, please be mindful of others around you and avoid bringing anything that may be noisy or have a strong odor.
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted to be brought into the theater. However, there is a bar located on-site where you can purchase a variety of drinks, including beer, wine, and cocktails. It's a great option if you'd like to indulge in a refreshing beverage while watching the show.
Keep in mind that the Delacorte Theater is an outdoor venue, so it's always a good idea to come prepared for the weather. Bring a jacket or blanket to keep warm during cooler evenings, and consider bringing bug spray during the summer months.
Overall, the Delacorte Theater offers a relaxed food and drink policy, allowing you to enjoy a picnic-style experience while watching a fantastic performance under the stars.
Does Delacorte Theater offer luggage storage?
The Delacorte Theater, located in Central Park, does not have a luggage storage policy. As an outdoor theater, it does not have designated storage facilities for personal belongings. It is recommended that you travel light and only bring essential items to the theater. If you have larger bags or luggage, it is best to leave them at your hotel or find a nearby luggage storage service.
Is Delacorte Theater a good place to visit for foreign travelers who are not native English speakers?
The Delacorte Theater, located in Central Park, is a fantastic destination for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. The theater is renowned for its free Shakespeare in the Park performances, which attract theater enthusiasts from all over the world.
One of the great things about Shakespeare's plays is that they are timeless and can be enjoyed by audiences regardless of language barriers. The Delacorte Theater offers supertitles, which are projected translations of the dialogue onto screens on either side of the stage. This allows non-English speakers to follow along and fully immerse themselves in the performance.
Attending a show at the Delacorte Theater is not only a cultural experience but also an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Central Park. The theater is an open-air venue, providing a unique and enchanting atmosphere. It's a great way to spend a summer evening in New York City.
Keep in mind that tickets for the Delacorte Theater's Shakespeare in the Park performances are highly sought after and can be challenging to obtain. They are distributed through a digital lottery system, so be sure to plan ahead and check their website for details on how to enter for a chance to win tickets.
Overall, the Delacorte Theater is a must-visit for theater lovers and a fantastic option for visitors from other countries and non-English speakers looking to experience the magic of Shakespeare in the heart of New York City.
What ages are appropriate for Delacorte Theater?
The Delacorte Theater in New York City is a fantastic outdoor venue located in Central Park. It is home to the famous Shakespeare in the Park performances, which are free and open to the public. While there is no strict age limit for attending shows at the Delacorte Theater, it is generally recommended for children who are at least 5 years old and above. The performances are typically Shakespearean plays, which may contain complex language and themes that may be more suitable for older children and adults. However, it ultimately depends on your child's interest and maturity level. If you think your child would enjoy and appreciate the experience, by all means, bring them along! Just make sure to plan accordingly, as the theater can get crowded, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Videos