Ralph Demarco Park is the thin green ribbon between Shore Boulevard and the East River, and it is a nearly perfect place to stage Shakespeare's most magical comedy: the Hell Gate Bridge arcs directly behind the actors and the light off the water does the rest. Astoria Players are a neighbourhood company, so this is community theatre in the best sense, free and unfussy. Bring a blanket and let the fairies work.
What to expect
The company performs on the park lawn with minimal staging, and the audience spreads out on blankets and folding chairs facing the water. Passing joggers and dog walkers stop and stay, so the crowd grows through the performance. Sound is unamplified or lightly reinforced, so sitting close matters.
Good to know
- Ralph Demarco Park runs along Shore Boulevard in Astoria; the N and W to Astoria Blvd or Ditmars Blvd leave a walk of about fifteen minutes.
- Admission is free with no ticket, and seating is entirely whatever you bring.
- A blanket or a low folding chair makes a big difference on the lawn.
- River wind picks up quickly once the sun drops, so pack a layer.
- Astoria Park and the pool complex are a short walk north if you want to make an evening of it.
- Bring bug spray, since the waterfront lawn gets mosquitoes at dusk.
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Common questions
Do I need tickets?
No. Astoria Players perform free in the park with no ticket or reservation, and you can arrive at any point.
Where is Ralph Demarco Park?
It is the waterfront strip along Shore Boulevard in Astoria, Queens, between Astoria Park and the Hell Gate Bridge, facing the East River.
What should I bring?
A blanket or low chair, a layer for the river wind and bug spray. Food and drink are not sold on site, so pack anything you want.
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