The Public Theater's Public Works production of a new musical version of Shakespeare's Pericles begins its run at Cathedral of St. John the Divine August 29, with Carl Cofield directing. The work features songs by Troy Anthony, and will continue performing through September 2.
Get a first look at the show with newly released production shots in the gallery below.
As part of the theatre's Public Works series, the performances feature a cast of Broadway actors joining with a community ensemble of 100 New Yorkers from all five boroughs. The pro cast includes Denée Benton as Thaisa, Ato Blankson-Wood as Pericles, Lori Brown-Niang as Bawd, Kenneth Collins as Simonides, Amina Faye as Marina, Joel Frost as Cleon, Debra Harewood as Helicanus, Crystal Lucas-Perry as Gower, Erika Myers as Dionyza, and Tony winner Alex Newell as Diana. Understudies Allyson Kaye Daniel and Stephen Scott Wormley round out the company.
The Public Works series is typically offered as part of The Public's Free Shakespeare in the Park series at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. That venue has been off the market while undergoing a massive renovation (the Delacorte is currently hosting Twelfth Night starring Peter Dinklage, Lupita Nyong'o, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Sandra Oh, but it's the only show playing there this summer).
Company of Pericles: A Public Works Concert Experience
Ato Blankson-Wood and Denée Benton in Pericles: A Public Works Concert Experience
Crystal Lucas-Perry Pericles: A Public Works Concert Experience
Company of Pericles: A Public Works Concert Experience
Alex Newell in Pericles: A Public Works Concert Experience
Vivian Jett Brown in Pericles: A Public Works Concert Experience
Denée Benton and company of Pericles: A Public Works Concert Experience
Erika Myers and Joel Frost in Pericles: A Public Works Concert Experience
Ato Blankson-Wood and Crystal Lucas-Perry in Pericles: A Public Works Concert Experience
Ato Blankson-Wood in Pericles: A Public Works Concert Experience
Denée Benton and company of Pericles: A Public Works Concert Experience
Debra Harewood in Pericles: A Public Works Concert Experience
Amina Faye and Eric Herrera in Pericles: A Public Works Concert Experience
Crystal Lucas-Perry and company of Pericles: A Public Works Concert Experience
Alex Newell and company of Pericles: A Public Works Concert Experience
Ato Blankson-Wood in Pericles: A Public Works Concert Experience
Amina Faye in Pericles: A Public Works Concert Experience
The theatre has taken on The Fire Ensemble as a show-specific partner for Pericles, in addition to their long-term community partners across the city. Led by Anthony, the community-centered group creates new work rooted in music, ritual, and revelation with community choirs aimed at fostering collective liberation and intergenerational healing. The group predominantly works in Black musical styles, including gospel, R&B, and musical theatre.
Returning community partner organizations, each of which are providing community performers for the show's ensemble, include Brownsville Recreation Center in Brooklyn, Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education in Bronx, Center for Family Life in Sunset Park in Brooklyn, Children's Aid in all boroughs, DreamYard in Bronx, Domestic Workers United in all boroughs, The Fortune Society in Queens, and Military Resilience Foundation in all boroughs.
The production features design by Riw Rakkulchon, lighting design by Melissa Mizell, co-sound design by Justin Stasiw and Walter Trarbach, dramaturgy by Jesse Cameron Alick, music supervision by Troy Anthony, music coordination by Kristy Norter, and music direction by Sam Appiah. Michael Domue serves as production stage manager, and Aisling Galvin and Adalhia Hart are stage managers.
Tickets, all free, are being distributed onsite on a first come-first served basis. For a performance schedule, visit PublicTheater.org.
