Twelfth Night in Central Park Shines with Star Power but Feels Rushed
New York’s Shakespeare in the Park has made its much-anticipated return, and the buzz has been strong—not only because of the free tickets people camp out for, but also because of the big names attached to this latest production of Twelfth Night . After the Delacorte Theater took a year off for renovations, it reopened this summer with a refreshed stage and a cast that reads like a who’s who of film, TV, and theater. Onstage, audiences get to see Lupita Nyong’o, Peter Dinklage, Sandra Oh, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Moses Sumney, and more, making this revival a true star-studded affair.
Also Read:This version of Twelfth Night is directed by Saheem Ali, and while it carries all the fun and playfulness that Shakespeare’s comedies are known for, it’s been streamlined into a brisk, intermission-free performance of under two hours. That pacing keeps things moving, but it also leaves little room for the story and emotions to really breathe. Even so, there are standout performances that elevate the whole experience.
Lupita Nyong’o plays Viola, the shipwrecked twin who disguises herself as a man named Cesario to survive in Illyria. Her real-life brother, Junior Nyong’o, plays Sebastian, Viola’s twin, adding a personal dimension to their scenes together. Nyong’o shines in moments where she balances humor—especially in her exaggerated “masculine” disguise—with genuine sincerity, giving the love story between Viola and Duke Orsino a surprising depth. Her portrayal anchors the play, grounding it in heart even when the production leans heavily on comedic beats.
Peter Dinklage, meanwhile, steals attention in the role of Malvolio. Known for his precision and wit, he dives fully into comedy here, turning Malvolio’s stern pompousness into a hilariously overblown display of self-delusion. The subplot where he is tricked into believing Olivia (played by Sandra Oh) loves him is staged with physical comedy and vocal flair that makes his eventual downfall both funny and oddly touching. His performance adds layers that many of the other characters, handled more lightly, don’t quite achieve.
Sandra Oh’s Olivia, along with Ferguson’s bumbling Sir Andrew and John Ellison Conlee’s mischievous Sir Toby, add plenty of energy and laughs. The show often plays with modern gestures and timing, juxtaposed against Shakespeare’s language, to make the comedy land for today’s audience. It works, but at times the style feels a little repetitive. Still, the outdoor setting, the bursts of color in the costumes, and the clever use of minimal set pieces all contribute to the lively atmosphere.
In the end, this Twelfth Night may not probe deeply into the complexities of Shakespeare’s themes, but it embraces its role as a joyous summer outing. With its star power, playful staging, and the electric energy of performing in Central Park, the production proves hard to resist. For anyone who fought for those hard-won tickets, the laughter and spectacle offered here make the experience feel well worth the wait.
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