The Public Theater holds its Gala on the Green May 24 at Central Park's Delacorte Theater to launch the 60th anniversary season of Free Shakespeare in the Park. Gala Co-Chairs Mercedes Bass, Jason Blum, Lauren Shumaker Blum, and Julio Peterson serve as the evening's host, with Meg Zervoulis as musical director.
Performing at the event are Renée Elise Goldsberry, Oscar Isaac, Norm Lewis, and Kimber Elayne Sprawl. The cocktail hour will feature performances by Jina Brass Band and Rich Medina. The line-up also features appearances by Danai Gurira, starring in this summer's Richard III as the title character, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Gil Shiva of The Susan Stein Shiva Foundation and Jamie Maleszka, director of creative arts at The Fortune Society, are both being honored at the gala.
“For over 60 years, The Public has created a great celebration of civic unity: Free Shakespeare in the Park,” said Artistic Director Oskar Eustis in a statement. “We honor Gil Shiva and his family, and Jamie Maleszka. Gil has been an unwavering supporter of The Public for over half a century, a Board Member of grace and insight who has given more to us, and to New York, than we can possibly repay. Jamie Maleszka has been doing the work of angels with The Fortune Society, one of New York's most impactful nonprofits. The Fortune Society is dedicated to helping people with criminal justice histories and their families and has been a core partner organization of ours since the creation of Public Works.”
READ: Danai Gurira to Play Richard III in Shakespeare in the Park
“This year’s Gala feels particularly special as we celebrate 60 years of sharing incredible artistry with all of New York through one of the summer’s most treasured traditions, Free Shakespeare in the Park,” added Executive Director Patrick Willingham. “New York City’s arts and culture organizations continue moving forward with hope and a commitment to a vibrant and equitable future despite the challenges of the pandemic, and we’re especially proud to be making major strides in our plan to revitalize The Delacorte during this anniversary year. It’s a special moment as we ensure that The Delacorte will continue to thrive and serve New Yorkers for generations to come.”
Third Act, a NFT marketplace for the theatre community, has announced a partnership with The Public Theater for the theatre's first-ever NFT token, accessible here.
For tickets and more information, visit PublicTheater.org.
