Free Theater, Jazz Coming To Harlem's Marcus Garvey Park

HARLEM, NY — Don't want to make the trek to Central Park to see a free Shakespeare performance? Harlemites are in luck: a three-week run of evening shows has arrived at Marcus Garvey Park, kicked off on some nights by live jazz.

"Seize the King," a modern adaptation of Shakespeare's "Richard III," had its first performance on Tuesday at the Richard Rodgers Amphitheater, near the park's west side. Put together by the Classical Theatre of Harlem, the shows will be held at 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays through July 29.

Each Friday, the shows will be preceded by a 7 p.m. concert by Jazzmobile. This week's performers will be the Jeremy Pelt Quartet.

Tickets were only required for the first few shows this week. While Friday's performance is already booked up, there will be overflow seating available for those who arrive at the park without reservations. All remaining shows after Friday will be unticketed.

Written by Will Power, Seize the King's stars include Ro Boddie as Richard, RJ Foster as Hastings and Andrea Patterson as Queen Woodville. The show is "a propulsive and timely modern reinterpretation" of Shakespeare's classic, depicting Richard as he "knocks down threats to his ascension, fueling his insatiable ambition and paranoia," organizers said.

To arrive at the amphitheater, enter Marcus Garvey Park at the 124th Street and Fifth Avenue gate, then walk south through the park.

The Classical Theatre of Harlem was founded in 1999 and aims to bring theater to the neighborhood through educational and literacy programs, as well as productions.

Read more at the Classical Theatre of Harlem.