The Winter's Tale starts as a jealousy tragedy, then jumps sixteen years into pastoral comedy and a statue that comes to life — perfect material for an open-air stage at dusk. Raúl Esparza plays Leontes' self-destruction against Lily Rabe's Hermione, with Steven Skybell doubling the con-man Autolycus for Daniel Sullivan. A free star-cast Shakespeare in its closing stretch is reason enough to finally see the rebuilt Delacorte.
What to expect
Free tickets are distributed the day of each performance at the Delacorte, at borough distribution sites and through a digital lottery, so the plan starts hours before curtain. The theater itself is a 1,800-seat open-air amphitheater looking out at Belvedere Castle and Turtle Pond, and the show runs straight through the summer dark.
Good to know
- Free tickets go out in person at the Delacorte, at borough distribution sites including Citizens Bank branches, and via the TodayTix digital lottery.
- Closest entrances are West 81st Street or East 79th Street; the B/C to 81st Street is the easiest train.
- Bring a layer — Central Park gets genuinely cool once the sun is down.
- It is an outdoor amphitheater, so performances can be paused or cancelled for weather.
- Arrive early if you are queuing in person; the standby line often clears seats right before curtain.
- The renovated Delacorte has expanded accessible seating and restrooms — request access seating when you claim tickets.
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
How do I actually get free tickets?
Three routes: the in-person line at the Delacorte on the day of the performance, borough distribution sites across the five boroughs, and the TodayTix digital lottery. The Public also runs an in-person lottery at its East Village theater.
Who stars in this production?
Raúl Esparza as Leontes and Lily Rabe as Hermione, with Chuck Cooper as the Old Shepherd, Steven Skybell as Antigonus and Autolycus, Gilbert Owuor as Polixenes and Isabela Ferrer as Perdita.
Is the Delacorte accessible?
Yes. The renovation added accessible seating, improved restrooms and step-free routes. Flag accessibility needs when you claim your tickets so seats can be assigned appropriately.
More this weekend
