The Music of the Bard: Words & Music of Shakespeare in the Park 1956-1967
“We have public libraries. Why not public theaters?” said Joseph Papp, facing down Robert Moses, New York City’s infamous “power broker,” when the New York Theater Workshop was just two years old. This year marks the 70th birthday of what became Shakespeare in the Park, which we celebrate with David Amram who, from 1956 to 1967, composed the music for 25 of its productions. Gail Merrifield Papp, Joe’s widow and theatrical partner for 25 years, will be among the friends joining him for this unique evening.