Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline to Stage Read 'Romeo & Juliet'
Meryl Streep and Kevin Kline have agreed to appear in New York City's Central Park for a one-night-only staged reading of "Romeo & Juliet" at the Public Theater.
The legendary actors are coming together again to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Shakespeare in the Park, which Streep and Kline have participated in during their careers. The thespians were costars in 1982's "Sophie's Choice."
One of New York's favorite traditions, Shakespeare in the Park has featured free Shakespeare performances since 1954. The 50th anniversary this year arrives 50 years after the opening of Shakespeare in the Park's permanent home at the Delacorte Theater on June 18, 1962.
Both Streep and Kline have taken the stage at the Delacorte Theater since its opening 50 years ago. Streep has performed at the park theater five times, with her most recent appearance being "Mother Courage and Her Children" in 2006, while Kline has made nine appearances since 1970.
Streep, 62, will read the part of Juliet opposite Kline, 64, who will portray Romeo. The sexagenarian actors are playing the roles of the famous Shakespeare characters, assumed to be 13 and 16, despite their ages. Daniel Sullivan will direct the reading.
"For 50 years the Delacorte Theater has been home to the greatest American actors, who have been able to hone their artistry in the most beautiful, democratic theater in the world," Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director for Shakespeare in the Park, told Broadway World. "'Romeo and Juliet' will be a celebration of those actors, a joyous love letter to the Delacorte, to Central Park and to New York City."
The one-night-only event will take place June 18 at the Delacorte Theater where tickets start at $1,500.
The night will also honor actor Al Pacino for his work with the Public Theater. The Tony Award-winning actor's history with the Public Theater includes his playing Shylock in "The Merchant of Venice" in 2010, among many others.
This summer will also see performances of "As You Like It" from June 5 - 30 and "Into the Woods" from July 23 - August 25.
"Into the Woods" will see appearances by Donna Murphy and Amy Adams.
The Delacorte Theater in Central Park is accessible by entering at 81st Street and Central Park West or at 79th Street and Fifth Avenue.
