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Free Outdoor Shakespeare in NYC Parks: All’s Well That Ends Well — NY Classical Theatre

New York Classical Theatre’s 2025 Season

All’s Well That Ends Well

by William Shakespeare
Directed by Stephen Burdman
June 3–July 6, 2025

PROGRAM
DONATE

This summer, All’s Well That Ends Well brought Shakespeare to life across three NYC parks—thanks to YOU.

8,875 total attendees
71% first-time audience members
16% experiencing Shakespeare for the first time ever
21 performances across 3 parks
7 special evenings (Family Nights, Pride Night, Dog Night)
200+ very good pups in the audience
35 artists and artisans
100% free—for everyone

Written around 1604, All’s Well That Ends Well is one of Shakespeare’s boldest romantic comedies. When Helena—a brilliant, determined young woman—heals a king, she earns the right to choose her husband. But love isn’t so simple, and she must use wit, courage, and a daring plan to win the life she desires. Full of humor, heart, and twists, this rarely performed gem is a story of love on Helena’s terms.

“One of the best Shakespeare productions I’ve seen in recent memory… The beauty of the language married to the beauty of Central Park was totally irresistible.”

- Ron Fassler, Theater Pizzazz

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US!

 

  • All performances start at 7:00 p.m.

    Enter at Central Park West & West 103rd Street

  • All performances start at 7:00 p.m.

    Enter at East 87th St. & East End Avenue

  • All shows start at 7:00 p.m.

    Meet in front of Castle Clinton - Enter at Broadway x State Street (across from Bowling Green).

 

SPECIAL EVENTS & REHEARSALS

 

  • Ever wonder how a Shakespeare play comes to life?

    Join us for Open Rehearsals in Central Park, held Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 3:30pm between May 5 and June 1. You’re invited to drop by, watch the creative process in action, and see how scenes are staged, lines are shaped, and characters are brought to life. Rehearsals take place at Central Park West & West 103rd Street—just look for the actors and our team around the lake. No tickets or RSVP required—just come as you are, stay as long as you’d like, and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at professional Off-Broadway theater in the making. Enter at Central Park West & West 103rd Street

  • CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

    Behind-the-Scenes Rehearsal in Central Park
    Wednesday, May 21 | 10:00 AM 

    Get an exclusive look at how professional actors prepare for a production. This interactive experience includes interactive demonstrations on costuming, blocking, vocal production, and stage direction, plus the opportunity to observe actors rehearsing select scenes.

    Matinee Performance in Central Park
    Wednesday, June 4 | 11:00 AM

    Join us for a full-length production Shakespeare’s All’s Well That Ends Well, in Central Park, designed with students and schools in mind. Experience the magic of Shakespeare in an immersive outdoor setting—audience movement required.

    Matinee Performance in Carl Schurz Park
    Wednesday, June 25 | 11:00 AM 

    A stationary performance (no audience movement required) of All’s Well That Ends Well, ideal for seniors, community groups, and students looking for an engaging yet accessible theater experience.

  • in partnership with PLAYDAY
    Thursday, June 12 & Saturday, June 21 in Central Park
    Thursday, June 26 in Carl Schurz Park
    Tuesday, July 1 in The Battery 

    Royal Crafts begin at 6:30 p.m.
    Performance begins at 7:00 p.m.

    Join us for a magical night of Shakespeare designed for kids and grown-ups alike! Come at 6:30 p.m. to make your own crown/tiara and scepter with Playday to help you feel like royalty while watching this bold, funny tale unfold. PLUS: giveaways and more fun from Brooklyn Game Lab and Circus Academy New York!

  • Dog Night: To Bark or Not To Bark
    Wednesday, June 4 at 6:30pm in Central Park

    Starting at 6:30pm, strike a pose in matching ruff collars for pups and their humans. The first 30 dogs to arrive will receive swag bags with goodies from Zoomies and DOG & CO.—plus, all attendees will have a chance to win prizes from Puppy Tale Lodge!

  • Tuesday, June 10 at 7:00 p.m. in Central Park

    Celebrate the official launch of our 2025 season with the first performance of All’s Well That Ends Well. Be part of the magic on opening night!

  • Friday, June 20 at 7:00 p.m. in Central Park
    Pre-Show Happy Hour 5-6:30pm at VERS Bar NYC

    Join us for a joyful night of Shakespeare celebrating love in all its forms! Start with a 5:00 p.m. Pride Happy Hour at VERS Bar NYC, then join the queer theatre caravan heading uptown for a 7:00 p.m. performance in Central Park. PLUS: loud and proud giveaways from LEAK, pride swag, and a bold, funny tale where the heroine takes charge!

    VERS Bar NYC (714 9th Ave, New York)

 

FAQs, information for Audience Members with Disabilities, and more found at the links below:

PlanNING Your visit
Student & Senior Matinees

Photo: Paul Deo Jr. and Anique Clements. Photo by Da Ping Luo

Many thanks to this season’s Media Sponsors:

@rediscovernewyork | @popupgirlsnyc | @leaistraveling | @nycfamilyexplorer

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

NY Classical’s performances are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

This program is also supported, in part, by: