Little Island, a park built above the Hudson River in Manhattan, is set to open its 700-seat amphitheater on June 6 with Twyla Tharp’s “How Long Blues.” This will be Tharp’s first full-length work in a decade. Countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo will be performing in a remix of Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro” from Aug. 30 to Sept. 22, where he will be singing all the major roles. The summer schedule also includes nine world premieres. The park, which opened in 2021, was largely funded by media executive Barry Diller and designer Diane von Fürstenberg and will be the third major performing space to launch in Manhattan in the last five years.
Zack Winokur, a 35-year-old director, choreographer, and dancer, has been announced as the producing artistic director. Winokur stated that they are all going in different directions with the new venues and should not be doing what others are doing. Ticket prices for performances at the amphitheater will be capped at $25, with a second venue called The Glade offering free programming from Wednesdays through Sundays in July and August. Different curators, including Suzan-Lori Parks, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and Justin Vivian Bond, will be hosting shows at The Glade each week.
The park will not have rain dates and it is still uncertain how long start times can be held for bad weather to clear. “How Long Blues” will start previews on June 1, a collaboration among Tharp, T Bone Burnett, and David Mansfield. Costanzo, who was recently hired as CEO of Opera Philadelphia, will take on the role of Figaro in a staging directed by Dustin Wills. New arrangements by Dan Schlosberg and costumes designed by Emily Bode will bring a fresh perspective to the classic opera. Other works at the park include “Robeson” with music by John Bitoy and Khari Lucas, “Open Throat” by Henry Hoke, and “Mama” by Britton Smith.
The park offers a unique setting where visitors can enjoy a show while taking in the beautiful surroundings of the Hudson River and the botanical garden on the island. Winokur mentioned that on any given night in July and August, visitors can stumble upon a free show at The Glade, making it a truly immersive experience. With a variety of performances ranging from dance to spoken word, the park aims to provide a diverse range of artistic experiences for its audience. The schedule includes performances like “Day For Night,” a dance choreographed by Pam Tanowitz, which will take place around sunset.
Overall, Little Island is gearing up to provide an exciting summer schedule of performances at its new amphitheater, offering a mix of established artists and emerging talents. With a focus on innovation and diversity in programming, the park aims to become a hub for cultural experiences in Manhattan. The unique design of the park, built on tulip-shaped concrete columns, creates a stunning backdrop for performances and adds to the immersive experience for visitors. As the park prepares to open its doors to the public, residents and tourists alike can look forward to a summer filled with world-class entertainment in this one-of-a-kind setting above the Hudson River.
