Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – An exuberant battle of the sexes: A thoroughly satisfying TWELFTH NIGHT re-opens the rejuvenated Delacorte Theater

• By drediman
• August 22, 2025
• No Comments

Last night — after a hiatus of what seemed like way too long — The Public Theater resumed its Free Shakespeare in the Park programming at the freshly rejuvenated Delacorte Theater in Central Park with a sleek and thoroughly satisfying production of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. For many New Yorkers, attending a Shakespeare in the Park performance is a beloved summer tradition. Indeed, weather cooperating, there’s nothing quite like sitting under the stars while taking in a starry, well-produced show away from the urban bustle of the city with the picturesque Belvedere Castle looming romantically on a perch in the background.

Led by Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong — who makes for a vibrantly resilient Viola — this Twelfth Night is exuberantly acted across the board. In the roles of Illyria’s royal figures, Sandra Oh is regal and magnetic as Olivia, while Khris Davis brings coiled masculinity to his performance as Orsino. Peter Dinklage injects gravitas and an aching sense of yearning into his portrayal of the maligned Malvolio. As the other members of Olivia’s entourage, such stage luminaries as Daphne Rubin-Vega, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and John Ellison Conlee are nothing short of a boisterous delight. Rounding out the cast are Junior Nyong’o and b as Sebastian and Antonio, respectively, whose committed yet romantically unrequited relationship has been effectively brought to the fore. Last but not least is Moses Sumney, who has concocted an uncommonly seductive Feste. As as both soulful, fashion forward court musician rather and affable fool, Sumney croons from the heart, providing thoughtful commentary on and texture to the action.

Raheem Ali’s boldly and stylishly underlined staging brings a distinct battle of the sexes vibe to the production. Although a bit heavy handed at times, it all gorgeously clicks in the irresistibly celebratory curtain call, during which genders are smashed together into a dazzling fireworks display (kudos particularly to Oana Botez’s loud-and-proud costumes). Although cleanly designed, the production makes ample use of a fancy hydraulics system to smoothly transition between, showing off the Delacorte’s enhanced technical capabilities. What this sensational Twelfth Night makes abundantly clear is how much Shakespeare in the Park has been missed and how vital it remains to the city’s cultural and societal ecosystem.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

TWELFTH NIGHT
Off-Broadway, Play
The Public Theater‘s Free Shakespeare in the Park
2 hours (without an intermission)
Through September 13