Shakespeare in the Park moved to its permanent home at the Delacorte Theater in 1962 and since then, New York natives and visitors alike have enjoyed free Shakespeare performances each summer season. The majestic, open-air theater has a seating capacity of 1,800, and each season more than 100,000 people attend performances produced by The Public Theatre.
"Masque Sound has enjoyed a long and successful relationship with The Public and Delacorte theaters and their summer productions of Shakespeare in the Park," says Dennis Short, Masque Sound. "Being able to celebrate 50 years as the theatre's audio equipment provider is quite an accomplishment and demonstrates our commitment to supporting the theatrical community. The Delacorte is in such a magnificent setting, and being able to provide theatergoers with an audio experience to match their visual experience is something we take great pride in doing."
Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, the Delacorte Theater officially opened in Central Park on 18 June 1962 with The Merchant of Venice. The first Delacorte summer season concluded with King Lear. Since then, more than 100 productions have been presented for free at the venue-come sun or rain shower.
"Some years have been drier than others, but throughout our partnership, Masque and Shakespeare in the Park have developed methods for protecting the equipment from water damage and mold," says Short. "We're at the mercy of Mother Nature, but manufacturers such as Meyer have developed water resistant loudspeakers and rain hoods to protect the speakers from water getting inside. It's been a work in progress but every year it gets better."
This summer, Daniel Sullivan will return to direct As You Like It this month. The second show of the 50th anniversary summer season will be Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's musical Into the Woods, beginning performances at the end of July.
"We are so pleased that Shakespeare in the Park has provided us the opportunity to support their productions over the 50 year span, especially as several have moved on to Broadway following their run at the Delacorte," adds Short.
(Jim Evans)
