Sullivan’s ‘Winter’s Tale’ Unites Esparza and Rabe in Central Park

Key points

• The production runs at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park through August 23, 2026, as part of The Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park series.
• Raúl Esparza stars as King Leontes, a role he prepared by studying videos of people with delusional jealousy, while Lily Rabe plays Queen Hermione.
• Director Daniel Sullivan structures the play into distinct chapters, transitioning from a toxic family drama to a pastoral comedy and finally a redemption arc involving a living statue.
• Marsha Stephanie Blake is highlighted as a standout performer in the role of Paulina, while Steven Skybell delivers comic turns as both Antigonus and Autolycus.
• The production features scenic design by Maruti Evans, costumes by Linda Cho, and interstitial music by Tom Kitt, with performances lasting three and a half hours.

Background

The Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park series has previously featured productions like 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'The Merchant of Venice,' the latter directed by Daniel Sullivan in 2010. Lily Rabe has performed five Shakespeare heroines at the Delacorte Theater, a venue she describes as sacred due to personal family connections. Raúl Esparza is also set to return to Broadway in December 2026 for a new musical, 'Galileo,' marking his first main-stage role in 14 years.

How outlets are covering it

1 Minute Critic emphasizes the production’s chaotic energy and the cast’s ability to make the play’s absurd elements feel cohesive, calling it a 'gloriously messy' experience. The New York Times focuses on the contemporary parallels of Leontes’s paranoia, noting how the director pulls the classic into the present. TheaterMania highlights the production’s success in redefining 'The Winter's Tale' from a 'problem play' to a masterpiece, praising Sullivan’s trust in the text. Vogue centers on the personal and professional significance of the roles for Esparza and Rabe, particularly their upcoming Broadway returns and Rabe’s emotional connection to the Delacorte Theater.

Why it matters

The production demonstrates the enduring relevance of Shakespeare’s complex narratives in contemporary contexts, showcasing how classic texts can address modern issues like paranoia and forgiveness. It also highlights the importance of free public theater in New York City, providing accessible cultural experiences that draw large audiences to Central Park.

What to watch

The production concludes on August 23, 2026. Raúl Esparza is scheduled to appear in the new musical 'Galileo' in December 2026, while Lily Rabe will join a revival of 'Other Desert Cities' in late September 2026.