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Back in the days when we could roam the outside world freely, the Public Theater’s annual Shakespeare in the Park program was one of the greatest cultural benefits of living in (or near) New York. The chance to see some of Hollywood and Broadway’s best-loved and most respected thespians exercise their craft for free in the open air was a reaffirmation of all was great about the city.
Now, the theater scene in New York—and much of the rest of the world—is on pause as the coronavirus pandemic rages on, but that isn’t stopping the Public from fulfilling its promise of offering quality accessible shows. On Monday, June 1, the theater will hold We Are One Public, a one-night-only, free virtual performance event. Hosted by Jesse Tyler Ferguson, it will feature Antonio Banderas, Laura Benanti, Danielle Brooks, Glenn Close, Elvis Costello, Anne Hathaway, Oscar Isaac, John Leguizamo, Audra McDonald, Grace McLean, Sandra Oh, Phillipa Soo, Trudie Styler, Sting, and many more theatrical luminaries.
Tony winner Kenny Leon will direct the evening’s performances, according to a Tuesday statement from the Public Theater, and actor Sam Waterston and philanthropists Audrey and Zygi Wilf will be honored. While the event itself is free and open to all, an online auction will go live a week prior to raise money for the Public Theater. Will it be a theatrical event to rival Stephen Sondheim’s virtual 90th-birthday concert? We won’t know for a few weeks, but the smart money says yes.
We Are One Public will begin at 8 p.m. ET on June 1 and will be livestreamed on the Public’s website, as well as its YouTube channel and Facebook page.