Peter Dinklage, Lupita Nyong’o, Sandra Oh, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson will join the cast of Twelfth Night, set to reopen the Delacorte Theater in Central Park.
 |
| The cast of 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' during Shakespeare In The Park's 'Merry Wives' Opening Night at Delacorte Theater on August 06, 2021 in New York City. THEO WARGO/GETTY IMAGES |
Directed by Saheem Ali, the resident director of The Public Theater, this production is scheduled for August 2025. The outdoor venue, managed by the Public Theater and known for offering free tickets through Free Shakespeare in the Park, has been closed for renovations since last fall.
In this staging, Dinklage will portray Malvolio, Nyong’o will take on the role of Viola, Sandra Oh will be Olivia, and Ferguson will play Andrew Aguecheek.
“Twelfth Night represents the pinnacle of joy,” Ali remarked. “It also happens to be the very first show I saw at The Delacorte, back when I was a college student taking the Chinatown bus from Boston. I’m thrilled to be reconnecting with my dear friend Lupita Nyong’o, alongside fellow Public Theater alums Peter Dinklage, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Sandra Oh.
Free Shakespeare in the Park is a treasured gift to our city. I’m honored to direct this production as we reopen The Delacorte following its significant and necessary revitalization.”
This marks the seventh staging of the Shakespearean comedy at The Delacorte. Previous productions, held in 1969, 1986, 1989, 2002, 2009, and 2018, featured notable actors such as Jeff Goldblum, Anne Hathaway, Audra McDonald, Michelle Pfeiffer, Julia Stiles, Michael Stuhlbarg, and others.
The theater, constructed in 1962 and last significantly updated in 1999, is undergoing a major renovation. This includes the removal of old seats, risers, and the façade, along with addressing structural issues within the building. Enhancements are also being made to the interior spaces and the theater's layout to offer more accessible seating.
Shakespeare in the Park traditionally presents Shakespearean productions, such as The Merry Wives of Windsor in 2021, each summer, along with a Public Works show featuring amateur actors and artists from the New York area.
Renovation efforts will extend into the fall, focusing on the installation of new lighting towers, grandstand risers, and a new wood façade crafted from salvaged NYC water towers. Additionally, the restroom facilities are being upgraded.
