A Stellar Cast and High Fashion Take Center Stage at the Reopening of the Delacorte Theater

A Night to Remember under the Stars

August 22, 2025: Shakespeare in the Park’s highly anticipated production of Twelfth Night marked a dazzling return to Central Park, featuring a powerhouse cast and unforgettable style moments. The newly renovated Delacorte Theater—which underwent an $80 million transformation—opened once again with Lupita Nyong’o and Sandra Oh radiating elegance, joined by other standout stars like Padma Lakshmi alongside her daughter Krishna, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Peter Dinklage. The evening wasn’t just about Shakespeare—it was about spectacle, style, and summer’s brightest artists stepping into the limelight.

Sibling Spotlight: Lupita and Junior Nyong’o Shine as Twins

In a touching real-life turn, Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o stars as Viola opposite her brother Junior Nyong’o as Sebastian in this rendition of Twelfth Night. The siblings’ onstage chemistry brings a heartfelt authenticity to the role of separated twins navigating mistaken identities and comedic chaos. Junior shared that performing with Lupita has been a dream come true, affirming how meaningful the collaboration has been both personally and creatively.

A Modern Classic, Reimagined

Director Saheem Ali offers a fresh take on the Bard’s comedic masterpiece, infusing it with contemporary relevance. His staging integrates Swahili translations and literary nods to immigrant experiences—Viola arrives in Illyria via a rubber dinghy, and a moving rendition of “Malaika” deepens emotional resonance. The production leans into playful spectacle while making Shakespeare accessible and vibrantly alive.

Padma Lakshmi Brings Family Flair

Celebrity chef and host Padma Lakshmi attended the premiere with her teen daughter Krishna, effortlessly blending star power with relatable charm. Lakshmi revealed her daughter has little interest in her viral cooking videos—but will be featured in her upcoming cookbook Padma’s All American, out November 2025. She joked that Krishna prefers cooking with her father, calling herself “a little overbearing.”

Why It Matters

This production isn’t just a theatrical event—it’s a cultural moment. With a reimagined venue, a star-studded cast, and storytelling that bridges tradition and modern identity, Twelfth Night in Central Park has become more than a play—it’s an experience that echoes summer’s magic through artistry, representation, and shared talent.