VIDEO: On This Day, August 31- HERCULES Starring Jelani Alladin, Opens in Central Park!

On this day in 2019, The Public Theater's Public Works put the 'glad' in 'gladiator' with its glorious story of Hercules, brought to vibrant life by professional actors and community groups from across the city at Central Park's Delacorte Theater.

The cast of Hercules included Jelani Alladin (Hercules), Roger Bart (Hades), Jeff Hiller (Panic), James Monroe Iglehart (Phil), Ramona Keller (Thalia), Tamika Lawrence (Calliope), Krysta Rodriguez (Meg), and Rema Webb (Terpsichore), along with a special featured performance by Broadway Inspirational Voices and cameo group performances by 10 Hairy Legs and Passaic High School Marching Band.

Hercules featured over 200 New Yorkers from all five boroughs in a new stage adaptation of the Disney animated film written by Ron Clements, John Musker, Donald McEnery, Bob Shaw, and Irene Mecchi and directed by Ron Clements and John Musker.

Directed by Public Works founder and Resident Director Lear deBessonet, the production featured the film's beloved score, plus additional original songs by the film's composer Alan Menken and lyricist David Zippel, with a new book by Kristoffer Diaz and choreography by Chase Brock.

HERCULES featured scenic design by Dane Laffrey; costume design by Andrea Hood; lighting design by Tyler Micoleau; sound design by Kai Harada; sound system design by Jessica Paz; wigs, hair, and makeup design by Cookie Jordan; puppet design by James Ortiz; additional direction by Laurie Woolery; orchestrations by Danny Troob and Joseph Joubert; music supervision and arrangements by Michael Kosarin; dance arrangements by Mark Hummel; and music programming by Randy Cohen. Hercules is presented by special arrangement with Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher.