Theater Events
Aint Supposed to Die a Natural Death July 25-Aug. 16, various locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx [www.classicaltheatreofharlem.org/](http://www.classicaltheatreofharlem.org/)
The Classical Theater of Harlem presents Melvin Van Peebles musical about junkies, crooked cops, prisoners, lovers and dreamers. After it premiered on Broadway, it ended up influencing the choreo-poem, spoken word and rap music, and now it will be presented outdoors (in conjunction with the City Parks Foundation). All performances are free.
As You Like It July 19-Aug. 10 Enter at W. 69th St. & Central Park West [www.boomerangtheatre.org](http://www.boomerangtheatre.org)
If you want a leafy Shakespeare experience but cant be bothered waiting for Delacorte seats, head on over to Boomerang Theatres production of the classic comedy. Theyre known for their exquisite productions, so dont worry: you wont be disappointed.
International New York Fringe Festival August 8-24 various locations [www.fringenyc.org](http://www.fringenyc.org)
The largest multi-arts festival in North America, with more than 200 companies from all over the world performing for 16 days in more than 20 venues. It totals something like 1,300 performances, but dont think youll want to catch it all. With everything from puppet shows, musicals about flatulence and little people falling in love, its the place to catch some of the best up-and-coming voices in edgy theater. And then go detox from all the oddball plots with a nice cold beer.
Macbeth June 17-29, 9 p.m. Tobacco Warehouse, Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park, Bklyn 718-254-8779; [Stannswarehouse.org]
St. Anns Warehouse presents TR Warszawas huge, cinematic production of Macbeth, which is adapted and directed by Grzegorz Jarzyna. Theyre constructing an outdoor theater in the roofless Tobacco Warehouse on the Dumbo Waterfront, so even if you cant handle the Polish production (with English subtitles), the unusual setting will be worth the potential teeth gnashing.
Shakespeare in the Park Delacorte Theater, Central Park Hamlet: May 27-June 29; Hair: July 22-Aug. 17; Tues.-Sun. 8 p.m. 212-539-8500 [www.publictheater.org](http://www.publictheater.org)
The place where the whole thing started, the Public Theaters best-known event kicks off this year with Hamlet, directed by Oskar Eustis and featuring Tony Award-nominee Michael Stuhlbarg as Hamlet and Lauren Ambrose as Ophelia. Thats followed by a rousing production of Hair (with clothes). The hippie ensemble is directed by Diane Paulus.
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot Twelfth Night: July 3-19; Henry V: July 25-Aug. 10, 8 p.m. Parking lot located at Ludlow & Broome [www.drillingcompany.org](http://www.drillingcompany.org) 212-877-0099
Theres something so magical about stumbling upon a Shakespeare production performed on an asphalt blacktop. Bring a chair or watch from the fringe as Drilling Company presents two Shakespeare plays for free in the Lower East Side as the sun begins to set and the lampposts illuminate the excellent ensemble of actors.
Summer Play Festival July 1-27 Public Theater, 425 Lafayette [www.spfnyc.com](http://www.spfnyc.com)
Eight emerging playwrights get their work produced at the Public as part of the annual play festival. Joe Iconis rock musical, The Black Suits, may be one of the more accessible pieces but all of them offer a chance to see excellent work for the first time with talented casts of actors for a low price ($10).