Drama Returns to Central Park

Shakespeare in the Park made a vibrant comeback on Thursday evening, reopening the renowned Delacorte Theater after an extensive $85 million renovation.

The all-star cast of “Twelfth Night” featured notable names like Lupita Nyong’o, Sandra Oh, Peter Dinklage, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. They drew a notable audience that included Ben Platt, Billy Crudup, Marcia Gay Harden, Rachel Dratch, and Morgan Spector from “Gilded Age.”

Originally constructed in 1962, the theater has recently gone through an 18-month upgrade led by architect Stephen Chew, who modernized backstage areas and blended the exterior with trees inspired by the city’s water tower.

Oskar Eustis, the artistic director, welcomed attendees and shared thoughts on the relationship between art and democracy. “The theater assumes that the only way you can find the truth is through conflicts between different perspectives,” he remarked. “And that’s essentially what democracy proposes. Theatre asks its audience to practice empathy for various viewpoints.” It’s, I think, a fundamental exercise in democracy.

He elaborated on the current climate, suggesting that many who believe they know the truth often misinterpret reality, especially when isolated in front of their screens.

After the show, guests like Lorraine Toussaint and Jackie Hoffman mingled at a gathering outside the theater, celebrating with cast members, including Lupita’s brothers and fellow actors Moses Sumney and Junior Nyong’o.

The Delacorte Theater’s Shakespeare program, established by founder Joseph Papp, is noteworthy for providing free tickets to over six million people across 150 productions, making this a unique cultural venue in the city.