The Public Theater has announced the full cast for this summer’s Free Shakespeare in the Park production of The Winter’s Tale, with Broadway veterans Raúl Esparza and Lily Rabe leading the company when performances begin July 25 at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park.
Tony Award-winning director Daniel Sullivan returns to the Delacorte for his 12th Free Shakespeare in the Park production, bringing William Shakespeare’s late romance back to the iconic outdoor stage for the fifth time in the program’s history. The limited engagement runs through Aug. 22, with an official opening night scheduled for Aug. 11.
Esparza will play the jealous King Leontes, whose unfounded suspicions set the story’s tragedy in motion, while Rabe stars as his wife, Hermione. The production also features Isabela Ferrer as Perdita, Daniel Kyri as Florizel, Gilbert Owuor as Polixenes, Teagle F. Bougere as Camillo, Chuck Cooper as the Old Shepherd, and Steven Skybell in the dual roles of Antigonus and Autolycus.
“I’m thrilled to be back at The Delacorte, with old friends and new, putting together The Winter’s Tale,” Sullivan said in a statement. “It’s one of Shakespeare’s most fascinating and moving creations.”
Often described as one of Shakespeare’s most unusual plays, The Winter’s Tale blends tragedy, romance, comedy, and fantasy. The story follows King Leontes, whose irrational belief that his pregnant wife has been unfaithful leads to devastating consequences. Years later, the abandoned infant Perdita grows into adulthood, setting the stage for a tale of forgiveness, redemption, and second chances.
The production reunites Sullivan with choreographer and associate director Mimi Lieber, who has collaborated with the acclaimed director on several previous Shakespeare in the Park productions.
“This will be the sixth show I’ve choreographed for Dan at The Delacorte,” Lieber said. “Add to that the joy of working with so many friends from over the years, plus listening to Shakespeare’s divine language in The Winter’s Tale and I’ll be in heaven.”
The creative team includes scenic designer Maruti Evans, Tony Award-winning costume designer Linda Cho, Tony-winning composer Tom Kitt, sound designer Brian Ronan, and puppet designer James Ortiz.
Free Shakespeare in the Park remains one of New York City’s signature summer cultural events. Since its founding by Joseph Papp, the program has presented more than 160 free productions to over six million audience members, fulfilling its mission of making world-class theater accessible to everyone.
This year’s production follows the reopening of the newly renovated Delacorte Theater, which underwent a major modernization project completed in 2025. The upgrades include improved accessibility, updated audience amenities, and sustainable design features while preserving the venue’s role as the longtime home of one of the nation’s most celebrated free theater programs.