Public Theater
Address:
425 Lafayette Street (between Astor Place & 4th St)
New York, NY 10003
Public Theater History
The Public Theater is a New York City arts organization. It was originally called the Shakespeare Workshop in 1954 when founded by Joseph Papp, with the intention of showcasing the works of up-and-coming playwrights and performers. The building holds five theater spaces (LuEsther, Martinson, Shiva, Newman, Anspacher) and Joe's Pub, a cabaret-style venue used for new work, musical performances, spoken-word artists, and soloists. The Public also operates the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, where it presents Shakespeare in the Park, one of New York City's most beloved summer traditions.
Shows at the Public Theater
| Dates | Production | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/31/2025 | - | 12/7/2025 | |
| 12/31/2025 | - | ||
| 5/12/2022 | - | 6/12/2022 | |
| 2/23/2022 | - | 3/27/2022 | |
| 10/8/2019 | - | 12/15/2019 | |
| 6/19/2018 | - | 8/5/2018 | |
| 3/20/2018 | - | 5/6/2018 | |
| 9/29/2015 | - | 11/29/2015 | |
| 4/2/2013 | - | 7/28/2013 | |
| 11/6/2012 | - | 12/2/2012 | |
| 3/14/2012 | - | 5/13/2012 | |
| 2/24/2012 | - | 3/18/2012 | |
| 11/29/2011 | - | 12/18/2011 | |
| 10/19/2010 | - | 11/21/2010 | |
| 2/6/2006 | - | 2/6/2006 | |
| 2/1/2004 | - | The Visit (2004) [Cancelled] |
|
| 8/4/1981 | - | 8/9/1981 | |
| - | |||
| - | |||
News
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld July 28, 2026- HADESTOWN Live Capture Opens In Cinemas and More
by - Jul 28, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is July 28, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Jul 28, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is July 28, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
GALA Theatre to Open 51st Season With World Premiere of GARBO: The Actor Who Saved the World
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 28, 2026
GALA will present the world premiere of GARBO: The Actor Who Saved the World, a drama about a double agent who misled the Nazis during World War II, written by Gustavo Ott.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 28, 2026
GALA will present the world premiere of GARBO: The Actor Who Saved the World, a drama about a double agent who misled the Nazis during World War II, written by Gustavo Ott.
CONFEDERATES by Dominique Morisseau to Open at Firehouse Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 28, 2026
Firehouse Theatre will present Confederates by Dominique Morisseau, directed by Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, to open its 33rd Mainstage Season in Richmond.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 28, 2026
Firehouse Theatre will present Confederates by Dominique Morisseau, directed by Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, to open its 33rd Mainstage Season in Richmond.
PURPLE RAIN Will Open on Broadway in Spring 2027
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 27, 2026
Let's go crazy! BroadwayWorld has just learned that 42 years to the day since Prince’s legendary film premiered, and three weeks since the album re-entered the Billboard 200, the stage adaptation of PURPLE RAIN will arrive on Broadway. PURPLE RAIN will premiere next spring at the Majestic Theatre, beginning previews on Friday, March 12, 2027, and officially opening on Monday, April 12, 2027. We have all of the details here!
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 27, 2026
Let's go crazy! BroadwayWorld has just learned that 42 years to the day since Prince’s legendary film premiered, and three weeks since the album re-entered the Billboard 200, the stage adaptation of PURPLE RAIN will arrive on Broadway. PURPLE RAIN will premiere next spring at the Majestic Theatre, beginning previews on Friday, March 12, 2027, and officially opening on Monday, April 12, 2027. We have all of the details here!
WP Theater Selects Artists for the 2026-2028 Heidi Thomas Initiative WP Theater Lab
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 27, 2026
WP Theater's two-year Lab residency provides rising talents in the industry with a vital professional network, entrepreneurial and leadership training, rehearsal space, and opportunities for the development and production of new work for the stage.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 27, 2026
WP Theater's two-year Lab residency provides rising talents in the industry with a vital professional network, entrepreneurial and leadership training, rehearsal space, and opportunities for the development and production of new work for the stage.
Oskar Eustis to Step Down as Public Theater Artistic Director After 23 Years
by Alex Freeman - Jul 27, 2026
Leadership changes at The Public, New Village Arts, Pacific Conservatory Theatre, and the Dallas Arts District, and new opportunities for UK musicals and BroadwayWorld's Stage Mag.
by Alex Freeman - Jul 27, 2026
Leadership changes at The Public, New Village Arts, Pacific Conservatory Theatre, and the Dallas Arts District, and new opportunities for UK musicals and BroadwayWorld's Stage Mag.
MAKING SPACE: THE STORY OF NEW HAZLETT THEATER to Premiere in Pittsburgh
by Stephi Wild - Jul 27, 2026
WQED and the New Hazlett Theater will host an exclusive screening of a new documentary tracing the Pittsburgh venue's history, including its years as the Pittsburgh Public Theater's original home.
by Stephi Wild - Jul 27, 2026
WQED and the New Hazlett Theater will host an exclusive screening of a new documentary tracing the Pittsburgh venue's history, including its years as the Pittsburgh Public Theater's original home.
LOVEBOMB to Receive Developmental Reading Directed by Melvin Tunstall III
by Joshua Wright - Jul 26, 2026
Thomas M. Copeland's new play LOVEBOMB, centered on an online romance scam and family trauma, will receive a developmental staged reading at 124 Bank Street Theater in New York City's West Village, directed by Broadway artist Melvin Tunstall III.
by Joshua Wright - Jul 26, 2026
Thomas M. Copeland's new play LOVEBOMB, centered on an online romance scam and family trauma, will receive a developmental staged reading at 124 Bank Street Theater in New York City's West Village, directed by Broadway artist Melvin Tunstall III.
ÉL Y ELLA to Receive Developmental Workshop at Drama Club Camp
by Stephi Wild - Jul 24, 2026
Drama Club and Straighten Your Crown's Development Initiative announced a workshop for Él y Ella, a new Spanglish musical by Jaime Lozano and Florencia Cuenca, ahead of a free public performance at Lincoln Center's David Rubenstein Atrium.
by Stephi Wild - Jul 24, 2026
Drama Club and Straighten Your Crown's Development Initiative announced a workshop for Él y Ella, a new Spanglish musical by Jaime Lozano and Florencia Cuenca, ahead of a free public performance at Lincoln Center's David Rubenstein Atrium.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld July 24, 2026- BROADWAY IN BRYANT PARK Kicks Off With THE LOST BOYS and More
by - Jul 24, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is July 24, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Jul 24, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is July 24, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Andrew Durand, Britney Coleman and More to Star in THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 23, 2026
The Public Theater has revealed the cast for the North American premiere production of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, with a book and lyrics by Jethro Compton, music and lyrics by Darren Clark.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 23, 2026
The Public Theater has revealed the cast for the North American premiere production of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, with a book and lyrics by Jethro Compton, music and lyrics by Darren Clark.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld July 23, 2026- THE LOST BOYS Star Shoshana Bean Talks Tony Win and More
by - Jul 23, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is July 23, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Jul 23, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is July 23, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
The Public Theater Artistic Director Oskar Eustis to Step Down
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 22, 2026
After 23 years as Artistic Director of The Public Theater, Oskar Eustis will step down when his current contract concludes in 2028, at the end of The Public Theater's 60th anniversary season.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 22, 2026
After 23 years as Artistic Director of The Public Theater, Oskar Eustis will step down when his current contract concludes in 2028, at the end of The Public Theater's 60th anniversary season.
Photos: HAMILTON West End Welcomes Original Star, Leslie Odom, Jr.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 21, 2026
New production photos are now available of Tony and Grammy Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. making his West End debut in Hamilton at London's Victoria Palace Theatre. Odom reprises his Tony-winning performance as Aaron Burr through September 5.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 21, 2026
New production photos are now available of Tony and Grammy Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. making his West End debut in Hamilton at London's Victoria Palace Theatre. Odom reprises his Tony-winning performance as Aaron Burr through September 5.
Listen: Travis Moser Releases Cabaret Version of Taylor Swift's 'Elizabeth Taylor'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 21, 2026
Cabaret artist Travis Moser released a live recording of Taylor Swift's 'Elizabeth Taylor,' captured at The Laurie Beechman Theatre during his solo show MIXTAPE.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 21, 2026
Cabaret artist Travis Moser released a live recording of Taylor Swift's 'Elizabeth Taylor,' captured at The Laurie Beechman Theatre during his solo show MIXTAPE.
Michael Urie Will Be Honored at Abingdon Theatre Company's 34th Anniversary Gala
by Stephi Wild - Jul 21, 2026
Emmy-nominated actor Michael Urie, known for OH, MARY! and SHRINKING, will be celebrated as an honoree at Abingdon Theatre Company's 34th Anniversary Gala at the Edison Ballroom in New York.
by Stephi Wild - Jul 21, 2026
Emmy-nominated actor Michael Urie, known for OH, MARY! and SHRINKING, will be celebrated as an honoree at Abingdon Theatre Company's 34th Anniversary Gala at the Edison Ballroom in New York.
Nicholas Polonio Will Direct THE NOTEBOOK THE MUSICAL in the Philippines
by Stephi Wild - Jul 21, 2026
Theatre Group Asia has announced that Filipino-American theater director Nicholas Polonio will direct its upcoming production of The Notebook, The Musical. Learn more here.
by Stephi Wild - Jul 21, 2026
Theatre Group Asia has announced that Filipino-American theater director Nicholas Polonio will direct its upcoming production of The Notebook, The Musical. Learn more here.
Photos: Raúl Esparza, Lily Rabe and More in Rehearsals for THE WINTER'S TALE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 20, 2026
The Public Theater will resume Free Shakespeare in the Park with this summer’s second production of The Winter's Tale at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park. Check out photos of Lily Rabe, Raul Esparza and more in rehearsals.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 20, 2026
The Public Theater will resume Free Shakespeare in the Park with this summer’s second production of The Winter's Tale at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park. Check out photos of Lily Rabe, Raul Esparza and more in rehearsals.
Cabaret Roundup: July 20-26 – Linda Eder, Tony Danza & More
by Rebecca Kaplan - Jul 20, 2026
Here are a few top picks to consider this week including free outdoor concerts, Who’s the Boss and Taxi star Tony Danza celebrating Frank Sinatra, an improvised so with Chris Turner (Cirque du Soleil, America’s Got Talent, Stephen Colbert) and more.
by Rebecca Kaplan - Jul 20, 2026
Here are a few top picks to consider this week including free outdoor concerts, Who’s the Boss and Taxi star Tony Danza celebrating Frank Sinatra, an improvised so with Chris Turner (Cirque du Soleil, America’s Got Talent, Stephen Colbert) and more.
Exclusive: Hear Grace McLean Perform 'Drunk Iliad' from PENELOPE Cast Album
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 16, 2026
Joy Machine Records announced the release of PENELOPE: Live at Joe's Pub, a chamber musical starring Broadway's Grace McLean, as the one-woman show prepares to run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 16, 2026
Joy Machine Records announced the release of PENELOPE: Live at Joe's Pub, a chamber musical starring Broadway's Grace McLean, as the one-woman show prepares to run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Public Theater Frequently Asked Questions
- What show is currently in Public Theater?
- Public Theater's current show is Goddess which began performances on 12/31/2025
- What when was Public Theater built?
- Public Theater was built in 1967.
- What were the longest running shows at Public Theater?
- Here Lies Love which ran from 04/02/2013 to 07/28/2013, Gatz which ran from 03/14/2012 to 05/13/2012, for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf which ran from 10/22/2019 to 12/15/2019, and Eclipsed which ran from 10/14/2015 to 11/29/2015
Tickets From $73
Tickets From $89
Tickets From $89
Tickets From $65