425 Lafayette Street (between Astor Place & 4th St)
New York, NY 10003
BUILT: 1967
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) 5/12/2022 - 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
Eisa Davis Deep Dives on ||:GIRLS:||:CHANCE:||:MUSIC:||, ANGELA's MIXTAPE, and WARRIORS
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Jun 14, 2026
The Pulitzer Prize-nominated writer and actor Eisa Davis discusses her new play at the Vineyard, ||:GIRLS:||:CHANCE:||:MUSIC:||, as well as her other upcoming projects including a revival of Angela’s Mixtape and the new musical Warriors.
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Jun 14, 2026
The Pulitzer Prize-nominated writer and actor Eisa Davis discusses her new play at the Vineyard, ||:GIRLS:||:CHANCE:||:MUSIC:||, as well as her other upcoming projects including a revival of Angela’s Mixtape and the new musical Warriors.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld June 15, 2026- ROMEO & JULIET Opens At Shakespeare in the Park
by - Jun 13, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is June 15, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
by - Jun 13, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is June 15, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
THE NORMAL HEART 1993 Benefit Reading With Barbra Streisand, Kevin Bacon to Get First Digital Release
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 12, 2026
Simon & Schuster Audio will release the 1993 Broadway benefit reading of Larry Kramer's THE NORMAL HEART on digital audio for the first time, featuring Kevin Bacon, Stockard Channing, Harry Hamlin, and a rare stage appearance by Barbra Streisand.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 12, 2026
Simon & Schuster Audio will release the 1993 Broadway benefit reading of Larry Kramer's THE NORMAL HEART on digital audio for the first time, featuring Kevin Bacon, Stockard Channing, Harry Hamlin, and a rare stage appearance by Barbra Streisand.
The Contemporary American Theater Festival to Present Five New Plays, Four World Premieres, and More in 2026
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 12, 2026
The Contemporary American Theater Festival announced full casts and creative teams for its 2026 mainstage season at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W. Va., featuring five new plays, including four world premieres.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 12, 2026
The Contemporary American Theater Festival announced full casts and creative teams for its 2026 mainstage season at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W. Va., featuring five new plays, including four world premieres.
Listen: Grace McLean Sings 'Penelope' From PENELOPE: LIVE AT JOE'S PUB
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 12, 2026
The tile song, “Penelope,” from Penelope: Live at Joe’s Pub, starring Grace McLean, is available to stream now. Penelope features music and lyrics by Alex Bechtel, and book by Alex Bechtel, Grace McLean, and Eva Steinmetz. Listen here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 12, 2026
The tile song, “Penelope,” from Penelope: Live at Joe’s Pub, starring Grace McLean, is available to stream now. Penelope features music and lyrics by Alex Bechtel, and book by Alex Bechtel, Grace McLean, and Eva Steinmetz. Listen here!
Photos: ROMEO & JULIET Opens From The Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park
by Jennifer Broski - Jun 12, 2026
The Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park production of Romeo & Juliet has officially opened. Learn more and check out photos from opening night here!
by Jennifer Broski - Jun 12, 2026
The Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park production of Romeo & Juliet has officially opened. Learn more and check out photos from opening night here!
Review Roundup: The Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park Production of ROMEO & JULIET
by Stephi Wild - Jun 12, 2026
Performances are underway for The Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park production of Romeo & Juliet. Learn more about the show and read the reviews here!
by Stephi Wild - Jun 12, 2026
Performances are underway for The Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park production of Romeo & Juliet. Learn more about the show and read the reviews here!
LINES Cast Announced for World Premiere of New Psychological Chamber Play in NYC
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 11, 2026
The world premiere of LINES, a psychological chamber play by Bellamy Brewster and Ewan Lloyd, announced its cast including James Louis Wagner, Penny Balfour, and Paul Niebanck, set to run at Theatre 154 in New York City.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 11, 2026
The world premiere of LINES, a psychological chamber play by Bellamy Brewster and Ewan Lloyd, announced its cast including James Louis Wagner, Penny Balfour, and Paul Niebanck, set to run at Theatre 154 in New York City.
The Public Theater's Public Forum Series to Return to The Delacorte Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 11, 2026
The Public Theater will present the return of the renowned Public Forum series to The Delacorte Theater in Central Park, beginning with free event Quick, Bright, Things to Come to Confusion, or What We Do For Love.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 11, 2026
The Public Theater will present the return of the renowned Public Forum series to The Delacorte Theater in Central Park, beginning with free event Quick, Bright, Things to Come to Confusion, or What We Do For Love.
Brittany K. Allen and Anterior Leverett Named 2026 Recipients of The Hansberry-Lilly Fellowship
by Stephi Wild - Jun 11, 2026
The Dramatists Guild Foundation (DGF), in partnership with The Lillys, have announced graduate students Brittany K. Allen and Anterior Leverett as the 2026 recipients for the Hansberry-Lilly Fellowship.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 11, 2026
The Dramatists Guild Foundation (DGF), in partnership with The Lillys, have announced graduate students Brittany K. Allen and Anterior Leverett as the 2026 recipients for the Hansberry-Lilly Fellowship.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld June 11, 2026- 2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards Winners Announced
by - Jun 11, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is June 11, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Jun 11, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is June 11, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Video: Watch a Teaser for NAATCO's HENRY VI at The Public
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 10, 2026
The Public Theater is now presenting NAATCO’s production of Henry VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts. It will play in The Public’s Newman Theater through Sunday, July 19. Watch a teaser trailer for the production!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 10, 2026
The Public Theater is now presenting NAATCO’s production of Henry VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts. It will play in The Public’s Newman Theater through Sunday, July 19. Watch a teaser trailer for the production!
BEDROOM FARCE & More Lead Seattle's Summer 2026 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Jun 10, 2026
Seattle is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for Summer 2026 include Bedroom Farce and more.
by Team BWW - Jun 10, 2026
Seattle is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for Summer 2026 include Bedroom Farce and more.
Raúl Esparza, Lily Rabe and More to Star in THE WINTER’S TALE at Free Shakespeare in the Park
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 10, 2026
The Public Theater has revealed the full cast for the Free Shakespeare in the Park production of The Winter's Tale at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park, featuring Raul Esparza, Lily Rabe, and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 10, 2026
The Public Theater has revealed the full cast for the Free Shakespeare in the Park production of The Winter's Tale at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park, featuring Raul Esparza, Lily Rabe, and more.
Outdoor (and Free!) Theatre in NYC- Summer 2026
by Sidney Paterra - Jun 10, 2026
There's nothing like summer in the city! Summer 2026 in New York City will bring with it plenty of outdoor productions to take in this June, July, and August. Let BroadwayWorld be your guide!
by Sidney Paterra - Jun 10, 2026
There's nothing like summer in the city! Summer 2026 in New York City will bring with it plenty of outdoor productions to take in this June, July, and August. Let BroadwayWorld be your guide!
GOOD BONES to Make World Premiere at Cincinnati Opera
by Stephi Wild - Jun 10, 2026
Cincinnati Opera announced GOOD BONES, a new opera from Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Michael Abels and playwright James Ijames, as the third work in The Black Opera Project trilogy, set to premiere at Cincinnati Music Hall.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 10, 2026
Cincinnati Opera announced GOOD BONES, a new opera from Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Michael Abels and playwright James Ijames, as the third work in The Black Opera Project trilogy, set to premiere at Cincinnati Music Hall.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld June 10, 2026- Go Inside the Tonys Opening Number and More
by - Jun 10, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is June 10, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Jun 10, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is June 10, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Top Off-Broadway Shows for June 2026
by Sidney Paterra - Jun 9, 2026
What’s happening Off-Broadway in June? BroadwayWorld is here to guide you through the top picks for theatre this season. June 2026 is packed with world premiere stage adaptations, musical revivals, and much more.
by Sidney Paterra - Jun 9, 2026
What’s happening Off-Broadway in June? BroadwayWorld is here to guide you through the top picks for theatre this season. June 2026 is packed with world premiere stage adaptations, musical revivals, and much more.
Photos: Inside the 2026 Public Theater Gala, Headlined by Shoshana Bean
by Jennifer Broski - Jun 9, 2026
The Public Theater kicked off another Shakespeare for the City season and Free Shakespeare in the Park at its 2026 Gala. Grammy Award winner and 2026 Tony winner Shoshana Bean headlined the special night, hosted at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park.
by Jennifer Broski - Jun 9, 2026
The Public Theater kicked off another Shakespeare for the City season and Free Shakespeare in the Park at its 2026 Gala. Grammy Award winner and 2026 Tony winner Shoshana Bean headlined the special night, hosted at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park.
Doc and Marty Revealed - Back To The Future Casting For Edinburgh Playhouse
by Natalie O'Donoghue - Jun 9, 2026
Roger Bart is scheduled to open the tour at the Bristol Hippodrome (8 October – 21 November 2026) as well as playing the Edinburgh Playhouse (2 December 2026 – 2 January 2027).
by Natalie O'Donoghue - Jun 9, 2026
Roger Bart is scheduled to open the tour at the Bristol Hippodrome (8 October – 21 November 2026) as well as playing the Edinburgh Playhouse (2 December 2026 – 2 January 2027).
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
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