The Public Theater announced casting for “Pericles: A Public Works Concert Experience,” running Aug. 29–Sept. 2 at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Directed by Carl Cofield with music and lyrics by Troy Anthony and choreography by Tiffany Rea-Fisher, the free concert adaptation blends Shakespeare’s epic story with gospel-inspired music, celebrating life, love, and transformation.
The production features an Equity cast including Denée Benton, Ato Blankson-Wood, Lori Brown-Niang, Kenneth Collins, Allyson Kaye Daniel, Amina Faye, Joel Frost, Debra Harewood, Crystal Lucas-Perry, Erika Myers, Alex Newell, and Stephen Scott Wormley, alongside 100 Public Works community members from partner organizations across all five boroughs. This ensemble approach underscores Public Works’ mission of creating theater “by and of the people,” fostering community through participatory art.
“Pericles” explores themes of faith, loss, resilience, and renewal. Troy Anthony, a Public Works community member and composer, said the production is “a balm for your soul” and likened performing at the Cathedral to making a church where “all people” are welcome. The Fire Ensemble, led by Anthony, joins as a show-specific partner, emphasizing BIPOC and Queer representation through music rooted in gospel, R&B, and musical theater.
Director Carl Cofield described the adaptation as “bold” and “timely,” highlighting its resonance with contemporary audiences while staying faithful to Shakespeare’s narrative of perseverance and hope. Production design is by Riw Rakkulchon, lighting by Melissa Mizell, sound by Justin Stasiw and Walter Trarbach, and choreography by Tiffany Rea-Fisher, with music direction by Sam Appiah and music supervision by Troy Anthony.
Public Works, a major civic program of The Public Theater, partners with organizations citywide—including Brownsville Recreation Center, Casita Maria, DreamYard, and Children’s Aid—to engage community members in creating, performing, and attending theater. This initiative aims to restore and build community, blurring lines between professional artists and residents while fostering shared creativity.
Performances of “Pericles” are free and first-come, first-served. Audience members can mark interest online at publictheater.org for reminders and directions. The production is part of Public Works’ 2025 Shakespeare for the City season, which also includes a touring Much Ado About Nothing and the reopening of Free Shakespeare in the Park with Twelfth Night at the Delacorte Theater.