Inspired by the historical pageantry movement of the early 1900s—known for blending mass spectacle with community engagement—this final work in deBessonet and Almond’s grand trilogy reimagines the Greek epic with Public Works' signature blend of professional actors, community members and special guests. Man-eating Cyclops, a sorceress that turns sailors to beasts and the deadly sweet song of the Sirens explode onto the stage with spectacular numbers in this joyful, larger-than-life musical about finding your way home—no matter where fate may lead you.
THE ODYSSEY will feature cameo group performances by The Bobby Lewis Ensemble; The D.R.E.A.M. Ring; Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana II; The Marching Cobras; The New York Youth Symphony; and TADA! Youth Theater. The five Public Works community partner organizations are Children’s Aid Society (Manhattan); DreamYard Project (Bronx); Fortune Society (Queens); Brownsville Recreation Center (Brooklyn); and Domestic Workers United (all boroughs, including Staten Island).
Book, Music & Lyrics by Todd Almond
Conceived and Directed by Public Works Director Lear deBessonet
Featuring over 200 New Yorkers, Todd Almond, Brandon Victor Dixon, Karen Olivo, and Lucas Caleb Rooney
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY thru MONDAY @ 8 PM
Age Guidance: 10
Show Notes: No Intermission
Audience Advisory:
ALL Performances FREE. Free tickets are distributed at 12:00PM (noon) every day that there is a public performance. Free tickets are distributed on each performance day via the Free Lines at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. We recognize that ticket lines can sometimes be long and we appreciate your time and dedication.. These ticket policies are designed to maximize fairness for visitors and to make everyone’s experience as smooth and pleasant as possible.