Getting a ticket for the free Shakespeare in the Park series at Central Park’s Delacorte Theater means standing on line for hours in the July heat. There’s an alternative. Free Shakespeare in branches of the New York Public Library. The performances are by a troupe of professional actors and skilled amateurs who call themselves Instant Shakespeare Company. The troupe also performs an occasional Greek tragedy or other classic. The performances aren’t fancy — more like readings, without scenery, costumes or props, but it’s fun and FREE, and the libraries are air conditioned.
There are two performances today, Sat. July 17th –
- Romeo & Juliet — 1 p.m., NYPL Riverside Branch, 127 Amsterdam Ave at 65th St.
- The Third Part of Henry the Sixth, 5 p.m., at the Shakespeare statue in Central Park mid-park around 66th St.
Here’s the schedule for the rest of Jully –
- July 19th – Two Gentlemen of Verona, 6:30 p.m the Mid-Manhattan Branch 455 Fifth Ave at 40th St.
- July 24th – The Life and Death of King John, 1 p.m.,NYPL Jefferson Market Branch 425 Sixth Ave. at 10th St.
- July 26th — Tartuffe by Moliere 6:30 pm at the NYPL Mid-Manhattan Branch 455 Fifth Ave at 40th St.
- July 31st – Othello, 1 p. m., NYPL St. Agnes Branch 444 Amsterdam Ave at 81st St.
