Joe Papp, Founder of The Public Theater and Free Shakespeare in the Park, Believed Great Art is for All

Enter the world of Joe Papp, New York's indomitable, street-wise champion of the arts. As founder of The Public Theater, Free Shakespeare in the Park and producer of groundbreaking plays like Hair, A Chorus Line, for colored girls, Papp recognized the role art could play in building a more democratic, inclusive society. A tireless fighter for the arts, he believed great art is for everyone. The story of Papp's great accomplishments and his own often tumultuous personal history is told by the artists he helped create-and, in some cases, tried to destroy-including, Meryl Streep, James Earl Jones, Martin Sheen, Christopher Walken, Larry Kramer, Ntozake Shange and George C. Wolfe, among others.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Book of a Musical - Top 3

1. David Hornsby, Chris Hoch, David Hornsby, Chris Hoch - The Lost Boys

36.6% of votes

2. Jim Barne, Kit Buchan - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

28.9% of votes

3. Cinco Paul - Schmigadoon!

20.4% of votes

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