Summer Preview: Outdoor Theater & Theater Festivals
The combination of sunny weather and a great performance is hard to beat and summer in New York City has an abundance of both. Lindsay, Nicole, and Dave chat about summer theater events, our favorites and a few new discoveries.
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OUTDOOR THEATER
There is a lot of Shakespeare and other stuff too performed outdoors during the summer in New York City. Don’t forget to bring bug spray and a sweater when enjoying an evening of outdoor theater.
Shakespeare in the Park
Beginning with a production of Much Ado About Nothing featuring Hamish Linklater and Lily Rabe and continuing with King Lear featuring John Lithgow, The Public Theater returns to the Delacorte Theater in Central Park for Shakespeare in the Park this summer. For information on how to get tickets and other tips see Maxamoo’s Insider Guide to Shakespeare in the Park.
Much Ado About Nothing – June 3 to July 6, 2014
King Lear – July 22 to August 17, 2014
There are three ways to get tickets: In person in Central Park at Noon on the day of the performance, an online lottery, and become a donor to The Public Theater. More Info.
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot
Celebrating the 20th season of Shakespeare In The Parking Lot (performances of Shakespeare in a parking lot on the Lower East Side) the Drilling Company brings Twelfth Night and Othello to the lot this summer.
Twelfth Night – July 10 to July 26, 2014
Othello – July 31 to August 16, 2014
Entry to performances is free, chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are also welcome to bring a chair or blanket.
Bryant Park Shakespeare
Bryant Park is getting in the free-outdoor-Shakespeare game by inviting New York based independent theater companies to show their productions of the Bard’s greatest hits. This year they kicked off the inaugural season of Bryant Park Shakespeare with a production of Hamlet that was originally performed in 2011 as part of Shakespeare in the Parking Lot. Next up is Love’s Labor’s Lost from Boomerang Theatre Company.
Love’s Labor’s Lost – August 14 to August 30, 2014
Entry to performances is free, just show up and find a comfy spot on Bryant Park’s spacious lawn.
Harlem Summer Shakespeare
The Pulse Ensemble Theater strives to make classic plays accessible to modern, young audiences and is committed to multi-ethnic casting. This summer, Pulse presents Romeo and Juliet at The Amphitheater at Riverbank State Park.
Romeo and Juliet – July 24 to August 17, 2014
Entry to performances is free. The Amphitheater has concrete benches. We recommend bringing a cushion or blanket to sit on.
Summerstage
A festival of music, dance, theater, and film, sponsored by NYC City Parks at parks in all five boroughs. This year’s free theater events are:
John Leguizamo’s Ghetto Klown – July 28, 2014
Handball by the Urban Theatre Movement – July 29 to August 11, 2014
Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind by The New York Neo-Futurists – August 13 to 16, 2014
Entry to performances is free. Seats are limited.
Hudson Warehouse
Nicholas Martin-Smith founded Hudson Warehouse 2004 with the intention of delivering vibrant, relevant, and engaging outdoor theater. The first season consisted of a single modest production of The Tempest. This summer Hudson Warehouse presents three shows produced in June, July, and August at Solders’ and Sailors’ Monument in Riverside Park.
King John – June 5 to June 29, 2014
The Importance of Being Earnest – July 3 to July 27, 2014
The Winter’s Tale – July 31 to August 24, 2014
Entry to performances is free.
Piper Theater Productions
Piper Theater Productions is a nonprofit theater company created by siblings Rachel and John McEneny in 2000. This summer, Piper will present the musical Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, written by Alex Timbers with music and lyrics by Michael Friedman, outside the historic Old Stone House in Park Slope (between 4 & 5 Avenues and 3 & 4 Streets).
Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson – July 3 to July 19, 2014
Entry to performances is free. Bring a blanket and food, sit on the lawn and enjoy the show.
FESTIVALS
Summer theater festivals in New York City mostly focus on new work by emerging artists and the tickets are relatively inexpensive. The exception to this is the Lincoln Center Festival, which focuses on international work and the tickets are expensive.
Summerworks by Clubbed Thumb
Summerworks is an annual festival of work by emerging playwrights and directors presented by the theater company Clubbed Thumb. Past seasons included work by Sam Hunter, Davis McCallum, Lear deBessonet, Anne Washburn, Anne Kaufman, Madeleine George, Suzan-Lori Parks, and Pam MacKinnon.
May 30 to July 5, 2014
NYC Fringe
An annual festival of DIY theater held in August in downtown New York City. This year the NYC Fringe celebrates its 18th anniversary. We implore you, go see a Fringe show. The passion and creativity are magnetic.
August 8 to August 24, 2014
NY Musical Theater Festival
A self-proclaimed “launching pad” for new musicals, the NY Musical Theater Festival is a festival devoted to early- and mid-stage musicals. It offers productions, concerts, and readings at locations nestled at and around the Signature Theater on 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan.
July 7 to July 27, 2014
Ice Factory Festival
A festival that celebrates experimentation, the Ice Factory Festival presents a series of productions developed by New York City independent theater companies, hosted by New Ohio Theater, located in the West Village. This year marks the Ice Factory’s 21st anniversary season.
June 25 to August 2, 2014
Lincoln Center Festival
The Lincoln Center Festival annually presents classical performing arts productions from around the world. The most sought after shows can be rather pricey.
July 7 to August 16, 2014
Ant Fest (Ars Nova)
Ant Fest is an annual festival at Ars Nova that presents new work from emerging New York City artists. It is a four week showcase of comedy, theater, music, and more.
June 2 to June 28, 2014
Second Stage Uptown
Every year Second Stage presents two plays during the summer at its uptown venue on Broadway and 76th Street. The run of American Hero by Bess Wolh is over but Mala Hierba by Tanya Saracho starts up in July.
Mala Hierba – July 14 to August 9, 2014
OUT OF TOWN
Not in New York or looking for a weekend escape from the City? Here are two of our favorite summer theater festivals outside the City.
Williamstown Theatre Festival
A festival of new and classic productions tucked in the Berkshires, this year’s Williamstown Theatre Festival includes The Old Man and The Old Moon from PigPen Theatre Co, A Great Wilderness by Samuel D. Hunter, June Moon by Ring Lardner and George S. Kaufman, and several more.
July 2 to August 17, 2014
Contemporary American Theater Festival
A festival devoted to producing and developing new American theater, the Contemporary American Theater Festival is held annually in Shepherdstown, a picturesque college town on the banks of the Potomac River in West Virginia. This year features:
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Dead and Breathing by Chisa Hutchinson
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North of the Boulevard by Bruce Graham
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Uncanny Valley by Thomas Gibbons
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One Night by Charles Fuller
- The Ashes Under Gait City by Christina Anderson
July 11 to August 3, 2014