Free Shakespeare in the Park may be on hold while Central Park's Delacorte Theater undergoes renovations, but that isn't keeping Public Works down. The initiative will host a public choreographed flash mob on Frisbee Hill in Central Park August 12. The dance, choreographed by Camille A. Brown and Every Body Move, will be to Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind," from the cast recording of Broadway's Hell's Kitchen (which had its world premiere at The Public last year). The Public's Director of Public Works Laurie Woolery is directing.
Public Works usually plays out as a production in the Public's Free Shakespeare in the Park season that includes opportunities for large ensembles comprising community groups from around NYC. Shakespeare works are the most common in Public Works' performance history, but the world premiere stage musical of Disney's Hercules was presented via Public Works as well.
The event will be open to anyone in NYC who wants to participate. The theatre will release digital videos in the coming weeks that will teach the choreography, while in-person rehearsals will be available via Public Pops Up events throughout the summer. The final performance will be at 6 PM August 12.
“As the Director of Community Engagement at Camille A. Brown & Dancers, I am deeply honored to partner with the Public Theater’s Public Works on this ambitious project,” says Michelle Rivera in a statement. “Our Every Body Move initiative is rooted in the belief that dance has the power to unite and strengthen communities. This collaboration with Public Works perfectly aligns with our mission to engage and empower individuals through the art of social dance. Together, we are creating a unique opportunity for New Yorkers of all ages and abilities to join in a grand celebration of their city and themselves. This partnership not only highlights our commitment to accessible and inclusive cultural experiences but also amplifies our ongoing efforts to foster dialogue and connection through community-driven performances. I am excited to see how this joint endeavor will inspire and invigorate our community, encouraging every participant to feel a sense of ownership and pride in their creative expressions."
"For the past 11 summers, Public Works has engaged 200 New Yorkers to perform on stage in Central Park, creating art that reflects our vision for what a unified city could be," adds Woolery. "So, with The Delacorte under renovation, we asked ourselves 'What if we create an artistic experience that all of New York could have access to?' Set to Alicia Keys' glorious anthem and with re-envisioned choreography exclusively for Public Works by the illustrious Camille A. Brown in partnership with her company Every Body Move, we knew we could create a radically ambitious project that invites New Yorkers of all ages and abilities to participate in that captures the joy and celebration of what it is to be a New Yorker. All are welcome and we can't wait to dance with you!"
Hell's Kitchen, featuring a score of Keys' greatest hits plus new songs written specifically for the musical, continues its run at the Shubert Theatre. The musical won two 2024 Tony Awards, including Best Leading Actress in a Musical for Maleah Joi Moon and Featured Actress in a Musical for Kecia Lewis.
