425 Lafayette Street (between Astor Place & 4th St)
New York, NY 10003
BUILT: 1967
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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 The Seat of Our Pants (2025) 12/31/2025 - Goddess (2025)
Click Here to Buy Tickets5/12/2022 - 6/12/2022 Fat Ham (2022) 2/23/2022 - 3/27/2022 The Chinese Lady (2022) 10/8/2019 - 12/15/2019 for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf (2019) 6/19/2018 - 8/5/2018 Fire in Dreamland (2018) 3/20/2018 - 5/6/2018 Miss You Like Hell (2018) 9/29/2015 - 11/29/2015 Eclipsed (2015) 4/2/2013 - 7/28/2013 Here Lies Love (2013) 11/6/2012 - 12/2/2012 Sorry (2012) 3/14/2012 - 5/13/2012 Gatz (2012) 2/24/2012 - 3/18/2012 The Total Bent (2012) 11/29/2011 - 12/18/2011 Titus Andronicus (2011) 10/19/2010 - 11/21/2010 In The Wake (2010) 2/6/2006 - 2/6/2006 Bounce (2006) 2/1/2004 - The Visit (2004) [Cancelled] 8/4/1981 - 8/9/1981 The Laundry Hour (1981) - First Daughter Suite (2015) - Awake and Sing! (2015)
News
Review Roundup: ANTIGONE (THIS PLAY I READ IN HIGH SCHOOL) Opens At The Public Theater
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 12, 2026
The Public Theater's world premiere of Antigone (This Play I Read in High School), by Anna Ziegler and directed by Tyne Rafaeli, opens tonight. The reviews are in for the starry production. See what the critics had to say in our roundup below!
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 12, 2026
The Public Theater's world premiere of Antigone (This Play I Read in High School), by Anna Ziegler and directed by Tyne Rafaeli, opens tonight. The reviews are in for the starry production. See what the critics had to say in our roundup below!
NAATCO's HENRY VI Joins The Public Theater's Summer Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 10, 2026
The Public Theater and NAATCO will present a remount of NAATCO’s production of Henry VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts, making its Public Theater premiere this summer.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 10, 2026
The Public Theater and NAATCO will present a remount of NAATCO’s production of Henry VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts, making its Public Theater premiere this summer.
Lameece Issaq's A GOOD DAY TO ME NOT TO YOU is Coming to Arena Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 10, 2026
Arena Stage has revealed the cast and creative team for A Good Day to Me Not to You. The production is written by Drama Desk Award-winning actor Lameece Issaq.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 10, 2026
Arena Stage has revealed the cast and creative team for A Good Day to Me Not to You. The production is written by Drama Desk Award-winning actor Lameece Issaq.
Meet the Cast of DOG DAY AFTERNOON, Now Playing on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Mar 10, 2026
Performances are now underway for Dog Day Afternoon, a new play by Pulitzer Prize winner Stephen Adly Guirgis. Meet the cast of Dog Day Afternoon here!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 10, 2026
Performances are now underway for Dog Day Afternoon, a new play by Pulitzer Prize winner Stephen Adly Guirgis. Meet the cast of Dog Day Afternoon here!
Morgan Siobhan Green Joins Benefit Reading Of LITTLE LIVES At The Public Theater
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 10, 2026
Cynthia Nixon and Susan Sarandon will star in a benefit reading of LITTLE LIVES at The Public Theater on March 16, 2026. The event, directed by Kylie Eustis-Brown and written by Shara Feit, supports the Chicago Abortion Fund and features founding members of the Jane Collective.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 10, 2026
Cynthia Nixon and Susan Sarandon will star in a benefit reading of LITTLE LIVES at The Public Theater on March 16, 2026. The event, directed by Kylie Eustis-Brown and written by Shara Feit, supports the Chicago Abortion Fund and features founding members of the Jane Collective.
City Theatre Announces 2026-27 Season Lineup; 'OUR NEXT ACT'
by Gillian Blum - Mar 8, 2026
City Theatre Company, Pittsburgh’s home for contemporary plays based on the South Side, has announced the details of the theatre’s 52nd season of bold, new works, beginning in September 2026.
by Gillian Blum - Mar 8, 2026
City Theatre Company, Pittsburgh’s home for contemporary plays based on the South Side, has announced the details of the theatre’s 52nd season of bold, new works, beginning in September 2026.
Listen: Charles Busch and Travis Moser Release New Album 'Mixtape'
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 6, 2026
Theater artist Charles Busch and cabaret artist Travis Moser have teamed up to release their new album, 'Mixtape,' based on the live show of the same name, recorded at NYC's Laurie Beechman Theatre. Listen to it now.
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 6, 2026
Theater artist Charles Busch and cabaret artist Travis Moser have teamed up to release their new album, 'Mixtape,' based on the live show of the same name, recorded at NYC's Laurie Beechman Theatre. Listen to it now.
Interview: Julie Reiber & Bryce Ryness of North Carolina Symphony's HOLLYWOOD HITS
by Jeffrey Kare - Mar 6, 2026
On March 13th & 14th, the North Carolina Symphony will be presenting HOLLYWOOD HITS. Two guest vocalists are coming down to the Triangle area to perform iconic songs from memorable movies and binge-worthy TV such as A STAR IS BORN, TOMMY, ROCKETMAN, BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY, ROCK OF AGES, LOVE ACTUALLY, TOP GUN, ELVIS, and more.
by Jeffrey Kare - Mar 6, 2026
On March 13th & 14th, the North Carolina Symphony will be presenting HOLLYWOOD HITS. Two guest vocalists are coming down to the Triangle area to perform iconic songs from memorable movies and binge-worthy TV such as A STAR IS BORN, TOMMY, ROCKETMAN, BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY, ROCK OF AGES, LOVE ACTUALLY, TOP GUN, ELVIS, and more.
Leslie Odom, Jr. Will Reprise Role of Aaron Burr in HAMILTON in London
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2026
Leslie Odom, Jr. will reprise the role of Aaron Burr, which he originated in the Broadway production of Hamilton, for a strictly limited nine week season in the West End production. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2026
Leslie Odom, Jr. will reprise the role of Aaron Burr, which he originated in the Broadway production of Hamilton, for a strictly limited nine week season in the West End production. Learn more here!
Meet the Cast of DEATH OF A SALESMAN, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2026
Death of a Salesman is back on Broadway! Arthur Miller’s American drama will star three-time Tony Award winner Nathan Lane, two-time Tony Award winner Laurie Metcalf, Christopher Abbott and Ben Ahlers. Meet the cast of Death of a Salesman here!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2026
Death of a Salesman is back on Broadway! Arthur Miller’s American drama will star three-time Tony Award winner Nathan Lane, two-time Tony Award winner Laurie Metcalf, Christopher Abbott and Ben Ahlers. Meet the cast of Death of a Salesman here!
Pace University Faculty Earn Kleban Prize And Jonathan Larson Grant Recognition
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 5, 2026
Pace University's Sands College of Performing Arts faculty members Eric Price, Phillip Christian Smith, and Adam J. Rineer have earned major national recognition in musical theatre writing, with Price and Smith named 2026 Kleban Prize winners and Rineer selected as a 2026 Jonathan Larson Grant recipient.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 5, 2026
Pace University's Sands College of Performing Arts faculty members Eric Price, Phillip Christian Smith, and Adam J. Rineer have earned major national recognition in musical theatre writing, with Price and Smith named 2026 Kleban Prize winners and Rineer selected as a 2026 Jonathan Larson Grant recipient.
Photos: Highlights from the 2026 JOE’S PUB ANNUAL GALA Celebrating Honoree Justin Vivian Bond
by Rebecca Kaplan - Mar 5, 2026
The one-night-only event celebrating Joe’s Pub & Dr. Justin Vivian Bond featured performances by Bond, Taylor Mac, Bianca Leigh, and more. See photos from the 3/2 night
by Rebecca Kaplan - Mar 5, 2026
The one-night-only event celebrating Joe’s Pub & Dr. Justin Vivian Bond featured performances by Bond, Taylor Mac, Bianca Leigh, and more. See photos from the 3/2 night
Ma-Yi Theater and The Public Theater Extend JESA
by Stephi Wild - Mar 5, 2026
Ma-Yi Theater Company and The Public Theater have announced a one-week extension for the world premiere of JESA, written by Jeena Yi in her playwriting debut.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 5, 2026
Ma-Yi Theater Company and The Public Theater have announced a one-week extension for the world premiere of JESA, written by Jeena Yi in her playwriting debut.
Photos: Joe’s Pub Annual Gala Honors Justin Vivian Bond At The Public Theater
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 5, 2026
Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater held its 2026 Annual Gala on Monday, March 2, honoring Dr. Justin Vivian Bond as this year’s Vanguard Honoree. Check out photos of the production.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 5, 2026
Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater held its 2026 Annual Gala on Monday, March 2, honoring Dr. Justin Vivian Bond as this year’s Vanguard Honoree. Check out photos of the production.
HAMILTON Begins Performances in Chicago Tonight at the CIBC Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 4, 2026
Hamilton is now playing at the CIBC Theatre for a strictly limited engagement. The unforgettable story of passion, unstoppable ambition, and the dawn of a new nation, seen by more than 28 million people around the world is coming to Chicago.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 4, 2026
Hamilton is now playing at the CIBC Theatre for a strictly limited engagement. The unforgettable story of passion, unstoppable ambition, and the dawn of a new nation, seen by more than 28 million people around the world is coming to Chicago.
Spotlight on Plays: March 2026
by Team BWW - Mar 4, 2026
The Spring 2026 season has officially begun, and with it, comes new plays for theatre lovers of all kinds. Whether you live for intense dramas or would rather escape with zany comedies, there's something for everyone both on and off-Broadway in March 2026.
by Team BWW - Mar 4, 2026
The Spring 2026 season has officially begun, and with it, comes new plays for theatre lovers of all kinds. Whether you live for intense dramas or would rather escape with zany comedies, there's something for everyone both on and off-Broadway in March 2026.
PUBLIC CHARGE World Premiere Extends at The Public Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 4, 2026
The Public Theater will present a one-week extension for the world premiere of Public Charge, a bracing new play based on true events written by former United States Ambassador Julissa Reynos.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 4, 2026
The Public Theater will present a one-week extension for the world premiere of Public Charge, a bracing new play based on true events written by former United States Ambassador Julissa Reynos.
CHEZ JOEY to Extend its Run at Arena Stage Through Late March
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 4, 2026
Arena Stage will present a one-week extension for its world-premiere production of Chez Joey. The musical features fresh arrangements from the legendary catalog of Great American Songbook duo Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 4, 2026
Arena Stage will present a one-week extension for its world-premiere production of Chez Joey. The musical features fresh arrangements from the legendary catalog of Great American Songbook duo Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart.
Video: CHEZ JOEY at Arena Stage Releases Trailer With Myles Frost & More
by Michael Major - Mar 4, 2026
Arena Stage has released a new trailer for their production of Chez Joey. Watch the new video, which features Myles Frost (Broadway: MJ the Musical) as Joey Evans!
by Michael Major - Mar 4, 2026
Arena Stage has released a new trailer for their production of Chez Joey. Watch the new video, which features Myles Frost (Broadway: MJ the Musical) as Joey Evans!
Video: Public Theatre Shares ANTIGONE (THIS PLAY I READ IN HIGH SCHOOL) Trailer
by Michael Major - Mar 3, 2026
The Public Theater has released a teaser trailer for the world premiere of Antigone (This Play I Read in High School). The video features Celia Keenan-Bolger, Tony Shalhoub, and more.
by Michael Major - Mar 3, 2026
The Public Theater has released a teaser trailer for the world premiere of Antigone (This Play I Read in High School). The video features Celia Keenan-Bolger, Tony Shalhoub, and more.
Public Theater Frequently Asked Questions
What show is currently in Public Theater?
Public Theater's current show is The Seat of Our Pants 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 4/2/2013 to 7/28/2013, Gatz which ran from 3/14/2012 to 5/13/2012, for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf which ran from 10/22/2019 to 12/15/2019, Eclipsed which ran from 10/14/2015 to 11/29/2015 and
Videos